Basilan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Basilan
Province
(from top: left to right) Basilan satellite image in 2016, Port Holland in Maluso, Lamitan City Hall, and Basilan Peak
Flag Seal
Location in the Philippines
OpenStreetMap
Country	Philippines
Region	Bangsamoro (Whole province except Isabela City) Zamboanga Peninsula (Isabela City only)
Chartered City	July 1, 1948
Converted into a province	December 27, 1973
Capital	Lamitan
Administrative Center	Isabela
Largest city	Isabela
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlalawigan
Area
• Total	1,327.23 km2 (512.45 sq mi)
Area rank	72nd out of 81
Highest elevation (Basilan Peak)	998 m (3,274 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	556,586
• Rank	56th out of 81
• Density	419.3591/km2 (1,086.135/sq mi)
Demonyms	Basileño Basileña Basilanin Tau Basilan
Divisions
• Independent cities	0
• Component cities	2 Isabela City Lamitan
• Municipalities	11 Akbar Al-Barka Hadji Mohammad Ajul Hadji Muhtamad Lantawan Maluso Sumisip Tabuan-Lasa Tipo-Tipo Tuburan Ungkaya Pukan
• Districts	Legislative district of Basilan
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	7300–7306
IDD : area code	+63 (0)62
ISO 3166 code	PH-BAS
Languages	Chavacano Yakan Tausug Sama Cebuano English Filipino
Income classification	3rd class
Website	www.basilan.gov.ph

Basilan is an island province in the Philippines. It's mostly part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Basilan Island is the largest and northernmost of the main islands in the Sulu Archipelago. It lies just off the southern coast of the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Isabela City used to be the capital and is the most populated city. It is part of Basilan province but is managed as part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region. The new capital is Lamitan. Even so, the main government offices are still in Isabela City.

Basilan is home to three main groups of people: the native Yakans, and the Tausugs and Chavacanos who arrived later. Most Yakans and Tausugs are Muslim. The Chavacanos are mainly Christian. There are also smaller ethnic groups. While Filipino and English are official languages, the main local language is Yakan. The most common language spoken by everyone is Chavacano. Other languages include Tausug, Cebuano, and Sama.

Basilan is a 3rd-class province. This means it has a certain level of income. It has one of the lowest rates of poverty in the Philippines. The difference between rich and poor people in Basilan is also very small. This shows that wealth is shared more fairly here than in many other places.

What's in a Name?

Long ago, Antonio Pigafetta from the Magellan Expedition called Basilan "Taghima." Early European maps spelled it in different ways. The name "Basilan" was first recorded by a Jesuit historian, Fr. Colin.

The local Yakan people have old stories about Basilan's earlier names. One was "Uleyan," from a mountain called Basilan Peak. Later, it was called "Matangal" after another mountain. Traders from Mindanao likely used these mountains as landmarks when sailing.

Other names for the island were "Puh Gulangan" (island of forests) and "Umus Tambun" (fertile land). "Kumalarang" was another name, after a river.

The name "Basilan" might come from the island's iron. Tausug warriors bought high-quality magnetic iron here for their swords and knives. This trade made the island known as the source of basih-balan, which means "magnetic iron" in Tausug. So, basih-lan could mean "the iron trail" or "the iron way."

When Spanish officials saw the beautiful weapons of Tausug warriors, they asked where they came from. The warriors pointed to the island across the strait and said, "ha basih-lan." This story suggests how the name might have stuck.

A Look Back: Basilan's History

People called Melanesians arrived in the Philippines tens of thousands of years ago. Later, Austronesians also came to the islands.

Early Settlers

The Yakan people arrived in the Sulu Archipelago, including Basilan, around 300 to 200 BCE. Not much is known about them before the Spanish arrived. They are still the largest ethnic group on Basilan Island. It's thought that the Yakan people traded with the Kingdom of Champa in Vietnam. Many Yakans have ancestors from Champa settlers who joined their communities.

As the Tausug Sultanate of Sulu grew stronger, the Yakans moved further inland. Most coastal areas became home to Tausugs and their related tribes, the Samals and Bajaus. Only the Yakan communities in Lamitan remained strong near the coast.

Taguima to Basilan

Old records from the Sulu Sultanate called the northernmost island "Taguima." This name came from the Yakan people, whom the Tausug and Samal called "Tagihamas" (people from the interior).

Later, some records mentioned "Bantilan," likely referring to Maluso. This place became a major Tausug base.

Ancient Chinese texts mention a "Kingdom of Kumalarang" during the Ming Dynasty. This kingdom is believed to be on Basilan Island.

The first map of the Philippines showing "Taguima" was made in 1548. Over time, due to misunderstandings and different mapmakers, the name changed to "Basilan."

In 1749, a Spanish map by Pedro Murillo de Velarde showed the island as "I. Basilan." This map was later republished in Europe. Finally, in 1757, an official Spanish map by Nicolas Norton Nicols called it "Isla de Basilan" (Basilan Island). The name has been used ever since.

Spanish Rule and Beyond

Spain officially took control of Basilan in 1726. The Spanish built bases on the island's northwest coast. They brought Christian settlers from Zamboanga, Visayas, and Luzon. Jesuit missionaries introduced Catholicism to the area. Over the years, there were conflicts with the Sultanate, the Dutch, and French.

American and Japanese Eras

After the 1898 Spanish–American War, the United States took over the Philippines. Americans developed large plantations in Basilan, mainly for rubber and copra.

During World War II, Japan occupied the country. After the war, in 1946, the Philippines became independent. Around 1970, there were conflicts between the Philippine government and groups seeking more autonomy.

Becoming a Province

In 1973, Basilan officially became a province. It was separated from Zamboanga del Sur.

Recent Times

In 2001, Basilan joined the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). However, Isabela City chose to remain part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region. When ARMM was replaced by Bangsamoro in 2019, Basilan (except Isabela City) joined the new region.

Lamitan became a city in 2007. Its city status was challenged twice but was finally confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2011. Lamitan became the new capital of Basilan in 2017.

Basilan's Location and Land

Basilan is located between 6°15' and 7°00' north latitude and 121°15' and 122°30' east longitude. The island is surrounded by the Basilan Strait to the north, the Sulu Sea to the west, the Moro Gulf to the northeast, and the Celebes Sea to the south and east.

Basilan is the largest and northernmost island of the Sulu Archipelago. This archipelago has about 400 islands between Mindanao and Borneo. The Basilan Strait, about 17 nautical miles (31 km) wide, separates Basilan Island from Mindanao and Zamboanga City. The island's land is mostly simple, with rolling hills near Isabela City and higher hills inland. Urban areas are usually 2.5 meters above sea level.

The province includes Basilan Island and many smaller islands nearby. These islands include the Pilas Island group (now Hadji Muhtamad Municipality) and the Bubuan and Tapiantana Island group (now Tabuan-Lasa Municipality). Basilan has a total land area of 1,327.23 square kilometers. Basilan Island itself is 1,265.5 square kilometers with a shoreline of 169.8 kilometers.

Basilan National Park is in the eastern part of the island. It has an elevation of 971 meters above sea level. The tallest peak, Puno Mahaji or Basilan Peak, stands tall in the park.

Weather in Basilan

The climate in Basilan is like other areas in the Zamboanga Peninsula. It gets about 1,100 mm of rain each year. The average temperature is 26.6°C. Rain comes from the southwest monsoon. Basilan is outside the typhoon belt, so it rarely experiences strong typhoons.

• Hot and Dry Season: March to May, with an average temperature of 22°C.
• Rainy Season: June to October.
• Cool Season: November to February, with temperatures from 22°C to 28°C.

The average humidity all year round is 77%.

How Basilan is Divided

Basilan is divided into 11 municipalities and two cities. There are 255 smaller areas called barangays.

Basilan used to be part of the Zamboanga Peninsula. But in 2001, most of its residents voted to join the ARMM. In 2019, they joined Bangsamoro. However, Isabela City always voted to stay with the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Cities in Basilan

• Isabela City is on the northern shore of Basilan Island. It faces Zamboanga City. It was the capital from 1975 to 2017. It still has the Provincial Capitol and many government offices. The city was originally called Pasangen. In 1848, it was renamed Isabela de Basilan after a Spanish fort. It became a city in 2001. Isabela City votes for provincial leaders and shares taxes with the province. But for regional purposes, it's part of Zamboanga Peninsula.

• Lamitan is the capital of Basilan. It is on the island's northeastern coast. Many Bangsamoro regional offices are here. Lamitan became the new capital in 2017. Its name comes from "Ramitan," a fortified base built by Sultan Kudarat long ago. In 2007, it became a city. After some legal challenges, its city status was confirmed in 2011.

Municipalities in Basilan

The five original municipalities are:

• Maluso is in the southwest. Its main trading port is Port Holland. Its name comes from the Spanish "mal uso" (bad manners).
• Lantawan is in the westernmost part. It's mostly for farming rubber and copra. Its name means "lookout" in the local language.
• Sumisip is the largest municipality by land area. It used to have the biggest rubber plantation in the Philippines.
• Tuburan is on a peninsula in the far east. It's one of the least developed areas. Its name means "water spring."
• Tipo-Tipo is on the southeast coast. It's named after "Tipun-tipunan," a native word for "gathering place."

Six newer municipalities were created by the regional government:

• Akbar (created 2005)
• Al-Barka (created 2006)
• Hadji Mohammad Ajul (created 2006)
• Hadji Muhtamad (created 2007)
• Tabuan-Lasa (created 2008)
• Ungkaya Pukan (created 2006)

Basilan's People and Culture

What is Basilan's Culture Like?

Basilan's culture is shaped by its three main groups: the native Yakan, Tausug, and Chavacano peoples. Most Yakans and Tausugs are Muslim, while Chavacanos are mainly Catholic.

Among Tausugs and Samals, "mag-tausug na kaw" means "become a Muslim." This is because Tausugs are seen as the "original Muslims" of the area. Many Yakans are Muslim, but some follow older local beliefs and traditions. Others have become Catholic. Along with Chavacanos, many Cebuanos and Ilonggos are also Catholic.

The Yakan and Tausug are different groups with their own languages and customs. Yakans are the indigenous people of Basilan. Tausugs, Samals, and Bajaus are considered the "original Muslims." Chavacanos, Cebuanos, and Ilonggos are the "Christians." Other groups like Ilocanos, Warays, and Maranaos are newer residents.

This mix of people makes Basilan's culture unique. It's the only mostly Muslim province governed by its native people where Chavacano is the most spoken language.

Tausugs and Samals often live along the coast in houses on stilts. They are mostly fishers. Yakans live inland in scattered houses made of light materials. They often work in government jobs. Christians mostly live in the plains, cities, and plantations. They are often professionals, business owners, and farmers. They own most of the land and businesses.

Tausug and Samal festivals are often about the sea. Catholic fiestas celebrate good harvests or miracles. Yakan festivals are based on older, pre-Islamic rituals, like warrior dances and harvest celebrations.

Basilan's location meant it was influenced by different groups. The northern and northwestern coasts, facing Zamboanga City, are mostly Christian. The southern and southwestern coastal areas have a Tausug culture. The eastern and inner parts of Basilan are home to the indigenous Yakan people.

Who Lives in Basilan?

Before the Commonwealth era, most people in Basilan were Christian migrants and Tausug traders. Only about 5,000 Yakans were counted, as many preferred to live away from coastal communities.

According to the 2010 Census, out of 391,179 people:

• Indigenous Yakan: 161,791 (41.36%)
• Christians (Chavacano, Visayans, Ilocano, etc.): 128,698 (32.9%)
• Other Muslim Tribes (Tausug, Samal, Bajao, Iranon): 100,690 (25.74%)

Basilan's population grew quickly between 2000 and 2007. However, between 2007 and 2010, the population figures were adjusted. This showed a more realistic growth.

What Religions are Practiced?

Islam

Most people in Basilan are Muslim, making up 65% of the population. They mainly follow Sunni Islam of the Shafi'i tradition. This was brought by missionaries from the 14th century onwards. Some Yakans also mix Islam with their traditional folk customs.

Most Muslims live on the southern slopes of the island.

Catholicism

The Roman Catholic population makes up 33% of Basilan. Christian communities are mostly in Isabela and Lamitan on the northern coast.

The Prelature of Isabela de Basilan was created in 1963. Its main church is the Santa Isabel Cathedral, named after Santa Isabel. The cathedral was damaged in a bombing in 2010 but was rebuilt.

Other Religions

Other Christian groups include Evangelicals, Anglicans, and Iglesia ni Cristo. Some Chinese immigrants follow Buddhism or Taoism. Older Chinese families have often become Christian or Muslim.

What Languages are Spoken?

Basilan has several language groups. The main ones are Chavacano, Tausug, Yakan, and Cebuano. Chavacano is the main language for Christians and is understood by 80% of residents. Basilan has the most Chavacano speakers outside of Zamboanga City.

Tausug is also widely spoken by Muslims and understood by about 70% of the population. Cebuano is popular because many Cebuano settlers came to Mindanao. It's understood by about 70% of residents. Yakan is the native language of Basilan and is spoken by Yakans. About 15%-20% of non-Yakans also understand it.

Tagalog and English are used for official business. Hokkien Chinese is used by Chinese families. Arabic is mostly used in Muslim prayers.

Learning in Basilan

Basilan's literacy rate has improved. About 72.23% of people can read and write.

The province has one state college, Basilan State College, in Isabela. It also has five private colleges.

Basilan has many public and private high schools. The top high school is Basilan National High School in Isabela. Claret High Schools and Madaris (Islamic schools) also provide education.

Basilan's Economy: How People Make a Living

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Farming is the main way people earn money in Basilan. The main products are coconut (for copra), rubber, coffee, black pepper, and African palm oil. Other crops include palay (rice), corn, cacao, and cassava.

The Sulu and Celebes Seas provide fish like tuna, mackerel, and sardines. These are often processed in factories in nearby cities. The waters also have grouper, squid, octopus, and marlin. Fish farms raise milkfish, prawn, and shrimp. Seaweed is also grown along the coast.

Basilan has untapped mineral deposits like iron ore, gold, and copper.

Local products include woven cloth and trinkets made by the Yakan tribe. Yakans use plant fibers like pineapple for their crafts. They traditionally used natural dyes from leaves and roots. Now, they also use chemical dyes. The museum in Lamitan shows these colorful Yakan textiles.

Plantations and Changes

Basilan's economy has changed a lot over time. In the past, people mostly grew root crops. When the Spanish arrived, they introduced rice and corn.

When the United States took control, big changes happened. Around 1914, Dr. James W. Strong started the first commercial rubber plantation in the Philippines. Other companies like B. F. Goodrich and Sime Darby also invested in rubber plantations. Filipino and Spanish-Filipino families also started their own plantations for coconut and rubber.

By the 1950s and 1960s, Basilan was a rich city. It exported copra, coconut oil, rubber, and lumber. Many foreign plantation managers lived here and married local people.

Challenges to the Economy

In the 1970s, conflicts affected Basilan's economy. The declaration of martial law and the creation of Basilan Province also brought changes.

In 1988, the government started the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). This program aimed to distribute land to farmers. Many large plantations were broken up, and foreign companies left. Farmers' cooperatives took over the land.

In the early 1990s, a group called Abu Sayyaf started causing problems. This group caused fear and hurt the economy, especially in inland areas. They later became known for criminal activities.

Joining the Autonomous Region

In 2001, Basilan joined the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). However, Isabela City chose not to join.

After 2002, many non-government organizations (NGOs) came to Basilan. They helped local businesses and farmers' cooperatives. This improved productivity and business efficiency.

Today, Basilan's minimum wage is about US$3.20 per day for non-agriculture jobs and US$2.80 per day for agriculture jobs.

Return of Rubber and Coconut

Around 2003, Basilan started large-scale replanting of rubber and cassava. By 2006, over 15,503 hectares were planted with rubber. Many farmers and cooperatives are working to improve rubber quality and production.

Coconut production is still important, but it has decreased. This is due to the land reform program, weather changes, and security issues. The government is trying to revive the coconut industry.

Other Products

Basilan's coastline supports many fishers. They produce about 28,073 metric tons of fish annually.

The island also produces small amounts of rice, corn, bananas, and mangoes. Livestock includes chickens, ducks, carabaos (water buffalo), cattle, goats, and hogs.

Money Matters

Banks in Basilan have over Php764,500,000 in deposits. There are also many pawnshops. Government financial institutions like the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System also have offices here.

The local business community is represented by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc.-Basilan Chamber.

Things to See and Do in Basilan

Basilan has many interesting places to visit.

Churches and Mosques

• Chapel of Peace, Calvario Peak, Isabela: This chapel is 400 meters above sea level and offers great views.
• Santa Isabel Cathedral, Isabela: A beautiful art deco cathedral with a mosaic altar.
• Monte Santo Shrine, Lamitan: A pilgrimage site on Mt. Ubit, especially during Holy Week.
• Kaum Purnah Mosque, Isabela: An old and impressive mosque that welcomes visitors arriving by ferry.

Historical Places

• Datu Kalun Shrine, Lamitan: A triangular park honoring a famous Yakan leader.
• Museo ng Lamitan: This museum showcases the Lami-lamihan festival and provides information about Lamitan.

• Old Basilan Provincial Capitol: This was once the site of Fort Isabela II. The new building reflects both Muslim and Christian styles.
• Isabela City Plaza (Plaza Misericordia) / Plaza Rizal: These twin plazas are central to Basilan's social and political life.

Fun Festivals

• Pakaradjaan Basilan: Celebrated every year from March 1 to 7 to mark Basilan Province's founding.
• Lami-Lamihan Festival: Basilan's main festival, held on June 29 in Lamitan City. Yakans come in traditional clothes, selling their farm products.
• Cocowayan' Festival: Isabela's yearly celebration of its cityhood, with a Street Dancing parade on April 25.
• Fiesta Santa Isabel: Celebrated on July 8 in Isabela to honor its patron saint, Elizabeth of Portugal. It includes a procession, masses, and a beauty pageant.
• Semana Santa (Holy Week): Celebrated in March/April. A procession called Santo Entierro on Good Friday shows scenes from Christ's last hours.
• Flores de Mayo: (May 1–31) A religious feast in Catholic churches honoring the Virgin Mary. Children offer flowers.
• Fonda de Barangay or Fiestas del Barangay: Week-long celebrations in local villages honoring their patron saints. They include pageants, trade fairs, and music.
• Budbud Festival: A village fiesta in Begang, Isabela, honoring Nuestra Senora dela Regla. It features street dancing and "budbud" (rice cake) eating.
• Pascua (Christmas): Celebrated on December 25. The city is decorated with lights and filled with joyous sounds.
• Isra Wal Miraj: (May 9) An Islamic event celebrating Muhammad's journey to Heaven.
• Eid al-Fitr/Hari Raya Puasa: (movable) An Islamic event marking the end of the Muslim fasting season.
• Maulidin-Nabi: (December 27) An Islamic celebration of Muhammad's birthday.
• Chinese New Year: (movable) Celebrated mostly for the noise-making, eating "tikoy" (rice cake), and getting "ampaw" (red envelopes with money).

Animals and Plants of Basilan

Basilan is an important route for migrating birds. Here are some of the unique animals and plants found there:

Mammals

• The Basilan flying squirrel (Petinomys crinitus) is a type of rodent found only in the southern Philippines, including Basilan.
• The Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) is a small, unique primate found only in the Philippines.

Amphibians

• The Basilan Island caecilian (Ichthyophis glandulosus) is a legless amphibian found only in the Philippines.

Birds

• The yellow-wattled bulbul (Pycnonotus urostictus) was first documented in Basilan in 1887.
• The Basilan tarictic hornbill (Penelopides panini basilanicus) is a type of hornbill found in Basilan.
• The Everett's white-eye basilanicus (Zosterops everetti basilanicus) is a small bird found in Basilan and other Philippine islands.

Plants

• The Dipterocarpus basilanicus tree is a tall tree with flaky bark and oily white resin.

Media in Basilan

Newspapers

• Mindanao Examiner

Famous People from Basilan

See also

In Spanish: Basilan para niños