spot_img
28 C
Philippines
Friday, March 29, 2024

Basilan boasts old Spanish heritage and secret charms

- Advertisement -

(Conclusion, continued from yesterday)

The Chavacanos originated from the Spanish-Jesuit settlement that was established in the town of Fuerte de San Jose in 1635. Indeed, first-time visitors to Basilan will be surprised by the numerous road and commercial signs written in Spanish, which is the root of the language used here.

This fact isn’t lost on certain officials of the Makati-based Instituto Cervantes, who have done research on Spanish influences in Basilan and its neighboring provinces in Sulu. Hopefully, when complete peace is restored to these islands, the Instituto may invite Spanish nationals to visit Basilan and the rest of the Sulu archipelago.

The city of Isabela isn’t crowded, but it’s hardly a backward place. The city roads are bustling with activity, and tricycles must jockey for space along with the latest SUVs. Although the younger people might want to enjoy a snack at Jollibee, tourists will enjoy the Muslim delicacies, which include the local version of the suman.

- Advertisement -

The Yakans are famous for their malongs, which are made of pineapple cloth and cotton and come in bright and vivid colors, all painstakingly handwoven. Worn by Yakan men and women on special occasions, it takes an entire week to complete a malong. But since tourists rarely get a chance to visit Basilan, the malongs are sold at the Yakan Weaving Center in Zamboanga City.

Veteran Yakan weaver Brainy Ilul said that with this outlet in Zamboanga, they get to reach a bigger market. He has followed in the footsteps of his parents and grandparents and continues the tradition of weaving malongs. Born and raised in Basilan, Ilul hopes his own children would continue the practice.

Basilan was the last province to join the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, in 2001. Today, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman is developing the infrastructure in the province, particularly in the town of Al-Barka, a former stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

The town will be benefitting from P132.5 million worth of infrastructure projects, which will include a seven-kilometer road, several water systems, and bridges.

Official data showed that from 2012 to 2017, the ARMM government earmarked a total of P887 million worth of infrastructure projects in Basilan, of which 90 percent went to road projects,

With its rich culture and breathtaking landscape, Basilan is a haven for travelers searching for less touristy destinations. The stunning beaches that beckon remain tranquil and safe. After all, even Paris, the romantic City if Lights, hasn’t been immune from terrorist threats. Yet as tourists still say, we’ll always have Paris. The natives here would reply, “We’ll always have Basilan.”

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles