Basilan (province) facts for kids
The Province of Basilan is an island province in the Philippines. It is part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The capital city of Basilan is Lamitan City. This province was officially created on December 27, 1973.
Basilan Island is the biggest and most northern island in the Sulu Archipelago. It is located just off the southern coast of the Zamboanga Peninsula. Before Lamitan City became the capital, Isabela City was the main capital.
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What is Basilan?
Basilan is a beautiful island province in the southern Philippines. It is known for its rich culture and diverse people. The province is made up of Basilan Island and many smaller islands around it.
Where is Basilan Located?
Basilan is found in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. This region is special because it has its own government. It helps to manage the affairs of the Muslim-majority areas in the southern Philippines. Basilan is an important part of this region.
People and Culture
Basilan is home to many different groups of people. The main groups are the Yakan, Tausug, and Chavacano speakers. Each group has its own unique traditions, languages, and customs.
Languages Spoken
People in Basilan speak several languages. These include:
- Yakan: Spoken by the Yakan people, who are mostly farmers.
- Tausug: Spoken by the Tausug people, often known for their trading skills.
- Chavacano: A unique Spanish-based Creole language.
- Cebuano: Also widely spoken, especially in Isabela City.
- Filipino and English: Used in schools and for official business.
Local Traditions and Festivals
The people of Basilan celebrate many colorful festivals. These events show off their rich cultural heritage. One famous festival is the Lami-Lamihan Festival in Lamitan City. It celebrates the Yakan culture with traditional dances and music.
Economy and Resources
Basilan's economy mainly relies on farming and fishing. The island has fertile land and rich waters.
Farming and Agriculture
The main crops grown in Basilan are rubber, coconut, and palm oil.
- Rubber: Basilan is famous for its rubber plantations. Rubber trees provide latex, which is used to make many products.
- Coconut: Coconuts are also a major crop. They are processed into copra, which is dried coconut meat.
- Palm Oil: Another important crop used for cooking oil and other products.
Fishing and Marine Life
With its many islands and coastal areas, fishing is also very important. People catch various types of fish and seafood. Some communities also raise lobsters and other marine animals.
Places to See
Basilan has many natural attractions and historical sites.
Beautiful Beaches
The province has lovely beaches, especially on its smaller islands. Malamawi Island, near Isabela City, is known for its white sand beaches. It's a great place for swimming and relaxing.
Historical Sites
- Santa Isabel Cathedral: Located in Isabela City, this is an important church for the Catholic community.
- Old Basilan Provincial Capitol: This building in Isabela City used to be a Spanish fort. It is now a historical landmark.
Natural Wonders
Basilan is home to diverse wildlife. You might even spot a Philippine tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world.
Education in Basilan
Education is important in Basilan. There are schools and colleges that help young people learn and grow. Basilan National High School in Isabela City is a well-known secondary school. Furigay Colleges in Lamitan City also provides higher education.
Images for kids
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Rivers in Basilan
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Topographical map of Basilan and outlying islands
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Isabela, Lamitan, and Maluso
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Old Plaza Rizal and Plaza Misericordia, opposite Santa Isabel Cathedral, old City Hall (Provincial Capitol) atop the hill in the background.
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Examples of finely crafted Moro blades made from Basilan "basih" (iron).
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The first Spanish map of Mindanao officially naming "Basilan" island (instead of Taguima/Tagyma) by Nicolas Norton Nicols, published in 1757.
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Yakan interior/east: Yakans gathered at Materling, Al Barka (Tipo-Tipo), Basilan, visited by Kapamilya broadcaster Bernadette Sembrano.
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Catholic north/northwest: J. S. Alano Street, one of the main thoroughfares of Isabela City, connecting Santa Isabel Cathedral with the Isabela City Plaza/Plaza Rizal and the Provincial Capitol.
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Tausug south/southeast: Main road at Port Holland, Maluso, Basilan, flanked by Tausug traders and market stall owners.
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Basilan ethnicity profile
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Basilan Province population distribution (NSO figures 2010)
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US Ambassador Kristie Kenney with the Datu Bantilan Dance Troupe in traditional Yakan costume.
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Kaum Purnah Mosque, the oldest masjid on the island of Basilan
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Basilan Faith Profile
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Native Zamboangueño Chavacano speakers in Mindanao.
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Basilan Economic Profile
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President Manuel Quezon tapping the sap of one of the trees in the pioneering Basilan rubber plantations developed by American Dr. James W. Strong.
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USS Vicksburg coaling at the Isabela Wharf, Basilan. Photo taken from the vantage point of the "floating" Naval Hospital, 1901.
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MNLF fighters surrender their firearms to President Ferdinand Marcos.
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Agrarian Reform Cooperatives of Basilan, Philippines
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Political map of Zamboanga Peninsula
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Basilan security profile
See also
In Spanish: Basilan para niños
