. The Province of Basilan (Lalawigan ng Basilan in Filipino/Tagalog; Provincia de Basilan in Spanish/Chavacano) is an island province of the

Philippines within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Basilan is the largest and northernmost of the major islands of the

Sulu Archipelago and is located just off the southern coast of Zamboanga Peninsula. Its capital, Isabela City, is administered as part of the

Zamboanga Peninsula Region.

Basilan is home to three main ethnic groups, the indigenous Yakans, and the later-arriving Tausugs and Chavacanos. The Yakans and Tausugs

are predominantly Muslim, while the Chavacanos are mainly Christian. There are also a number of smaller groups. Although the official

language is Filipino and English, the lingua franca is Chavacano, but other languages are well represented, with Yakan being the most

widespread.

Basilan, although classified as a 4th-Class Province in terms of gross provincial income, has one of the lowest incidence of poverty in the

Philippines (26.19% of the general population), ranked 20 among the Philippines' 80 Provinces (in comparison, Maguindanao which is ranked

last at no. 80 has a poverty incidence of 44.24%). More importantly, the gap between Basilan's rich and poor residents are among the narrowest in

the country (ranked 3rd nationwide), pointing to one of the most equitable distributions of wealth anywhere in the country (GINI Coefficient

0.2826, which is slightly better than the Provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Cavite, Batanes and Batangas).

The province lies within the region in which Abu Sayyaf and Moro Islamic Liberation Front groups operate, to the detriment of the economy and

the well-being of the inhabitants. Basilan had a Human Development Index of 0.425, the third worst of the 77 provinces in 2000.[2] The arrival of

various foreign-funded Non-Government Organizations starting in 2002, and the re-invigoration of the rubber industry improved the local

situation quite dramatically since then.

Geography

Elijah Himayot Basilan is located between latitudes 6°15' and 7°00', and longitudes 121°15' and 122°30'. The island is bordered by the Basilan

Strait to the north, the Sulu Sea to the northwest and west, the Moro Gulfto the northeast, and the Celebes Sea to the south, southeast and east. It

is one of the 7,107 islands that make up the Philippine archipelago.

Topographical map of Basilan and outlying islands

Basilan Island is the largest and northernmost island of the Sulu Archipelago between the Philippine islands of Mindanao and Borneo which

includes about 400 islands. Basilan Strait, about 17 nautical miles (31 km) at its narrowest point, separates Basilan Island from the mainland of

Mindanao and the port city of Zamboanga. The terrain of the island is simple, with several undulating slopes concentrated around Isabela City

along the coastal areas and hilly towards the interior. Urban areas are usually 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) above sea level and gently sloping to 300

metres (980 ft) toward the hinterlands. The stand of timber and forest vegetation is more or less evenly distributed throughout.

Basilan National Park is located at the eastern portion of the remaining public forest between the city of Isabela and the municipalities of

Lamitan, Tipo-Tipo and Sumisip. The park has an elevation of 971 metres (3,186 ft) above sea level, and the tallest peak, Puno Mahaji or Basilan

Peak, dominates the park's landscape.

Land

Basilan in Mindanao, Philippines (Regions IX, X, XII and ARMM)

The province of Basilan has an aggregate historical jurisdiction of 135,892 hectares (335,800 acres), with mainland Basilan encompassing an area

of 124,892 hectares (308,610 acres). The province encompasses all of Basilan Island (including Isabela City, which forms part of the province,

although it is excluded from the Autonomous Region) and offshore islands, together with the Pilas island group (now Hadji Muhtamad

Municipality) west of the island, and the Bubuan and Tapiantana island group (now Tabuan-Lasa Municipality) in the south. These are listed

among the Philippine islands with a moderate risk of getting hit by tsunamis.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Basilan

Sta. Isabel Cathedral, in the heart of Isabela City's poblacion, is the center of Basilan's thriving Catholic community.

The biggest cultural influences on the island derive from Basilan's tri-ethnic community: the native Yakan, Tausug and Chavacano peoples. The

Yakans and Tausugs are predominantly Muslim, while the Chavacanos are primarily Christian. Among the Tausugs and Samals, the phrase

"mag-tausug na kaw" means "become a Muslim", instead of the more literal translation, "become a Tausug", as the Tausug tribe is regarded as

the "original Muslims" of the area. Although the majority of the Yakans have converted to Islam, a significant number still conform to traditional

local beliefs, traditions and rituals, while others have converted to Christianity. Along with a majority of the Chavacano, the Cebuano and the

Ilonggo/Hiligaynon Bisaya are Christian.

Yakan interior/east: Yakans gathered at Materling, Al Barka (Tipo-Tipo), Basilan, visited by Kapamilya broadcaster Bernadette Sembrano.

Culturally, the Yakan and the Tausug are distinct groups; the Yakan represent the "Lumad" or indigenous peoples of Basilan, while the Tausugs,

the Samal and the Bajao are regarded as the "Muslims", and the Chavacanos, Cebuanos and Ilonggos are the "Christians". The rest, a mixture of

Tagalogs, Ilocanos, Waray, Bicolanos, Maranaos, Iranuns and Maguindanaos, are more recent migrants permanently residing in the region,

itinerant merchants or government workers.

This mix of ethnicities, forged together first by the Spanish practice of establishing resettlements orreducciones, as well as the multinational

plantations' importation of skilled Christian farm workers and laborers from the Visayas and Luzon, gives Basilan a distinct culture in the

Philippines. It is the only majority-Muslim province that is governed by Lumads, and whose most commonly spoken language is Chavacano.

Christian north/northwest: J. S. Alano Street, one of the main thoroughfares of Isabela City, connecting Sta. Isabel Cathedral with the Isabela City

Plaza/Plaza Rizal and the Provincial Capitol.

The Tausugs and Samals, for the most part having been denied ownership of land, and owing also to their primary livelihood of fishing, live

along the coastlines, constructing their houses on stilts at the water's edge near population centers. Their houses are, for the most part, outside of

the municipal water and sewerage systems of the urban centers. The Yakans, on the other hand, having been driven far inland, are scattered

throughout the island's interior, in similar raised houses usually made of light materials, but separated from each other. The Christians are mostly

found in the plains, the cities and in the plantations, squeezed between the Tausug-dominated coasts and the Yakan-dominated hinterlands. They

make up the bulk of the island's professionals, entrepreneurs, and lowland farmers. The Christians own most of the arable land, as well as nearly

all of the businesses and occupy most of the professions.

Tausug/Samal festivals are usually connected to the sea, celebrating the bounty of the seas, even staging dazzling fluvial wedding parades on

colorfully bedecked vintas and paraws, a nod to the Tausugs' former naval prowess. Christian fiestas are almost always related to good harvests

on the farms, as well as saintly miracles against natural calamities and victories against Moro attacks. Yakan festivals, meanwhile, are rooted in

older, pre-Islamic rituals such as warrior dances, colorful wedding pageants, and harvest rituals.

Tausug south/southeast: Main road at Port Holland, Maluso, Basilan, flanked by Tausug traders and market stall owners.

Culturally, therefore, Christians and Muslims have a close relationship, both professionally as well as in trade and commerce, being regarded as

the island's "lowlanders" by the Yakan, who are themselves regarded as "de arriba" by the Christians or "tagihamas" by the Tausugs, which

roughly translates as "uplanders". Conversely, the Yakan are suspicious of the intents and motives of the tribe's lowland neighbors, having been at

the receiving end of slave raids, invasions and punitive attacks from both groups for over 500 years.

With the island's strategic location right at the crossroads of the warring camps of Tausugs and the Spanish, Basilan was divided into three

primary spheres of cultural dominance by one of the three groups. Basilan's northern and northwestern coasts, facing the heavily Hispanized

Zamboanga City across the narrow Basilan Strait, is culturally Christian, or more precisely Filipino Catholic. Basilan's southern and southwestern

coastal areas have a distinctly Tausug-oriented culture. The eastern and interior portions of Basilan, on the other hand, isolated for the most part

from the Spanish in Zamboanga, and the Tausug from Jolo, are enclaves of the indigenous Yakan.

[edit]Demographics

Basilan ethnicity profile

By the eve of the Commonwealth era in the Philippines, local census estimates showed that a majority of the people of Basilan were Christian

migrants, mostly plantation workers recruited from over Mindanao and the Visayas, and Tausug traders, as well as Samal and Bajau fisherfolk.

Only around 5,000 Yakans were counted in the census. Until then, most Yakans preferred not to interact directly with their lowland neighbors.

Statistics from the 2000 Census report the following breakdown:

Yakan: 137,545 (41.36%)

Tausug: 76,366 (22.96%)

Zamboangueño Chavacano / Bisaya / Cebuano / Hiligaynon / Ilonggo / Ilocano / Ibanag: 71,344 (21.45%)

Others (Samal / Bajao / Tagalog / Maranao / Maguindanao / Bikolano): 46,174 (14.23%)

Basilan Province population distribution (NSO figures 2000)

The following figures in this subsection are from the National Statistical Coordination Board - NSCB Philippine Database, Census of 2000,

[6] unless otherwise noted.

Basilan' median age was 19 years, lower than the 1995 figure of 25 years.

The sex ratio is almost even. There were 166,413 males and 166,415 females in the 2000 CPH[clarification needed]. However, there were more females in

the 15-to-39 age group and more males in all other age groups.

The economically active population, aged 15 to 64, comprises 55.2% of the population. About 42.3% are young dependents (0 to 14 years old)

while less than 3% are old dependents (64 years old and older). The overall dependency ratio is 81.2: for every 100 persons aged 15 to 64, there

were about 77 young dependents and 4 old dependents.

Married persons accounted for 47.76% of the total persons 10 years old and over, lower than the 1995 figure (49.11%). Single persons comprised

43.80% in 2000, a decrease from 45.71% in 1995. The widowed (4.49%) increased less than one percentage point from the figure registered in

1995 (3.89%). Those with other arrangements increased from 3.87% in 1995 to 4.49% in 2000.

Out of 60,710 housing units in Basilan, 60,699 (99.98%) were occupied by 61,546 households. This rate of occupancy was higher than that of

1990 (95.6%). There was a ratio of 1.01 households for every occupied housing unit or 5.48 persons per occupied housing unit.

A large proportion (94.3%) of the occupied housing units in Basilan in 2000 were single houses. 75.9% of the occupied housing units did not

need repair or with minor repair[clarification needed], while 17.8% needed major repair. One out of nine occupied housing units was built between 1996

to 2000.

The proportion of occupied housing units with roofs made of galvanized iron/aluminum rose from 23.1% in 1990 to 42.5% in 2000. On the other

hand, roofs made of cogon/nipa/anahaw declined from 69.6% in 1990 to 50.3% in 2000. As for the construction material of the outer walls, the

use of wood rose from 42.2% in 1990 to 52.4% in 2000.

Out of Basilan's estimated 60,582 families, 19,740 lived in urban areas and 40,842 were rural. Average poverty thresholds province-wide were

pegged at Php9,271.00 monthly family income, of which Php10,997.00 was considered the urban threshold and Php8,080.00 the threshold for

rural families. 26.20% of the total population was below the poverty threshold: 36.50% of the urban population and 21.20% of the rural.

Poverty incidence is defined as the proportion of families whose income cannot provide for the basic food and non-food requirements called the

poverty threshold to the total number of families. According to the ARMM government website, in 2006, Basilan ranked 46th among all

provinces, with a poverty incidence of 31.7.[7]

[edit]Population growth

Basilan is experiencing a rapid increase in population; between 2000 and 2007, the population increased by 163,675, from 332,828 to 496,503,

whereas it only rose by 37,263 between 1995 and 2000. A corresponding increase in the number of households was also registered, from 55,137

in 1995 to 61,546 in 2000. This resulted to an average household size of 5.4 persons, higher than the national average of five.

Of the seven original municipalities in Basilan as of May 1, 2000, Isabela, the capital of the province, was the largest in terms of population with

73,032 persons or 21.94% of the provincial total. It was followed by Lamitan (17.64%), Sumisip (15.23%), Tipo-Tipo (14.50%), and Tuburan

(12.78%). Lantawan and Maluso, on the other hand, had less than 10% each.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney with the Datu Bantilan Dance Troupe in traditional Yakan costume.

By 2007, the three biggest local government units (LGUs) saw their shares of the population fall relative to neighboring communities; Isabela

City fell to 17.72% of Basilan's total population despite remaining the most densely populated area on the island. Lamitan is now only at 16.53%

(-1.11%). Old Sumisip (two municipalities with a population of 71,807), with the biggest aggregate land area, fell to 14.46% (-0.77%).

Meanwhile, Old Tipo-Tipo (three municipalities: 83,249 pop.) rose to 16.75% (+2.25%) and is now bigger than Lamitan, while Old Tuburan

(three municipalities: 73,942 pop.) is 14.89% (+2.11%) and is now bigger than Old Sumisip. Old Lantawan (two municipalities: 49,270 pop.) is

at 9.92%, while Maluso (48,175 pop.) comprises 9.7% of the total.

The seven-year increases are widely disparate, which explains the 2000-2007 percentage figures stated above. In Isabela City, the population

growth was 20.47% (+2.92% per annum; 73,032 in 2000, to 87,985 in 2007), slower when compared to the newly created Akbar Municipality,

scene of many of the latest gun-battles between government troops and Moro separatist groups. The municipality's seven-year population growth

was 101.42% (+14.48% per annum; 10,581 in 2000 to 21,312 in 2007). The average aggregate annual population increase in the seven-year

period for the ten municipalities and one city that comprise Basilan was 9.12%. By comparison, that of the rest of the Philippines was only 2.3%.

These figures are derived from the National Statistics and Coordination Board and National Statistics Office of the Philippines. [8][9]

These rapid growth rates have been attributed mainly to the practice of local governments of padding their real population numbers in order to:

(1) obtain a bigger slice of the Internal Revenue Allotment fund given to Philippine LGUs, (2) to fulfill minimum requirements set by the

Philippine Local Government Code (for the newly created municipalities and Lamitan city), (3) as well as a reserve of votes for local political

clans from constituencies that "usually" record 100% turn-outs during election periods.[citation needed]

[edit]Religion

Basilan Faith ProfileReligion in Basilan

religion percentIslam (Sunni)    41%Islam (Folk)    30%Roman Catholic

   24%

Protestant    3%Others    2%

Basilan's population is 27% Christian, 90% of them Roman Catholic, and 71% Muslim. Non-Catholic Christians

include Evangelicals, Episcopalian (Anglican Catholics), and Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), Mormons,Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses,

and a number of other Protestant denominations. Only the most recent Chinese immigrants adhere to Buddhism or Taoism, while most of the

older Chinese families have acculturated and have either converted to Christianity or Islam while retaining most of their Chinese beliefs.

A majority of Basilan's Muslims are concentrated on the island's southern slopes. Christians reside mostly in the urban centers of Isabela and

Lamitan on the island's northern coast, where they constitute a majority. Sizable Christian settlements are also found in the former multi-national

plantations, for example Tairan, Lantawan; Tumahubong, Sumisip; Maluso Townsite, Maluso. The rest have a mixture of both traditional and

autochthonal beliefs.

The Jesuit mission was replaced by a parish when Basilan was reassigned to the Order of Augustinian Recollects in 1850. The Jesuits regained

Isabela Parish from 1860 to 1880, and then lost it again to the Recollects, who administered the parish until 1920, at which time Isabela de

Basilan was turned over todiocesan priests until 1930. From 1930 through 1950, the Jesuits returned to Isabela, finally relinquishing their long-

held outpost to the Claretian Fathers, who took over from 1951 to 1974.

The Isabela Parish burned to the ground in 1962,[clarification needed] and was rebuilt in 1964 under the aegis of Basilan's first bishop, the Most Rev. Jose

Ma. Querexeta, a Spaniard. The cathedral was consecrated to Sta. Isabel in 1970, and diocesan priests have since administered the same from

1974 to the present. The cathedral figured prominently in recent news, suffering one destructive explosion in a triple bomb blast on April 13,

2010.

The Prelature of Isabela de Basilan was created on October 12, 1963, and comprises all territories constituting the civil jurisdiction of Basilan

Province, including Isabela City. Its titular patron is Sta. Isabel de Portugal.[10]

Bishop Querexeta was succeeded by Bishop Romulo T. Dela Cruz, Basilan's first Filipino bishop, on February 16, 1989, who served until

January 10, 2002, when the present bishop, the Most Rev. Martin S. Jumoad took over.

Kaum Purnah Mosque, the oldest masjidon the island of Basilan.

A majority of Basilan's Muslim population (41%) practice Sunni Islam of the Shafi'i tradition, as taught by Arab and Malaccan missionaries from

the 14th century onwards. A substantial number follow a syncretist mix of Islam and Yakan folk customs and traditions exclusively among the

native Yakan populations farther inland, and a different version of the same folk Islamic tradition which is practiced by the Bajao in Basilan's

outlying islands and surrounding seas.

Relatively newer Islamic sects, mostly brought by returning veterans of the Afghan wars and missionaries from Pakistan's stricter Sufi traditions,

referred to as the Tableegh, have been active in propagating what they believe to be a "purer" Islamic way of life and worship. A very small

number who have since married into Iranian or Iraqi families have converted to Shiite Islam.

[edit]Language

Native Zamboangueño Chavacano speakers in Mindanao.

Zamboangueño Chavacano is the lingua franca of Basilan, understood and spoken by nearly 80% of the residents, both Christian and Muslim.

Basilan has the biggest concentration of Zamboangueño Chavacano speakers in the Philippines outside of Zamboanga City. Tausug is also widely

spoken, especially among the Muslim tribes, and is spoken and understood by approximately 70% of Basilan's population. Most residents also

use Filipino/Tagalog as a third language. Cebuano/Bisaya is a preferred third tongue among the Christian tribes and is spoken and understood by

approximately 60% of residents. Yakan, the acknowledged native dialect of Basilan, is used primarily by Yakans, although it is also spoken and

understood by about 15%-20% of the non-Yakan residents. A lesser percentage can speak or

understand Samal/Banguingui, Maranao, Ilocano and Ilonggo, which are mostly confined to members of their respective tribes.

The educated classes use English for most official business or government transactions. A dwindling group of native-Spanish speakers live in

Isabela City and Lamitan. Chinese/Fookien is used by the immigrant/naturalized Chinese community.

[edit]Education

Basilan National High School, Isabela City, Basilan's premier secondary institution

Basilan's literacy rate has risen over the past two decades, although it remains one of the Philippines' lowest; 72.23% are considered literate, as

opposed to the national figure of 92.6%.

The province has one state college and five private colleges. Basilan State College is located in Isabela City and has an extension college in

Lamitan City and Maluso.

Furigay Colleges, Lamitan City, Basilan

Basilan is served by two school divisions of the Department of Education, one for Basilan and one for Isabela City, though both are

headquartered in Isabela City. A number of public and private high schools dot the province. The premier secondary educational institution on the

island is Basilan National High School located in Isabela City, followed by Lamitan National High School in Lamitan City. The Claret High

Schools of Isabela, Lamitan, Maluso and Tumahubong, and a number of Madaris provide private secondary instruction.

More than 42% of the population five years old and older attended or completed elementary education, 17.3% attended or completed high school,

while 1.5% attended or finished post secondary education. Less than 3% possessed academic degrees, while 6.2 percent were college

undergraduates. A very small number pursued post-baccalaureate studies. There were more males than females among those who attended or

finished elementary (51.1%), high school (50.3%), among college undergraduates (52.0%) and those who took post baccalaureate courses

(58.4%). On the other hand, there were more females who attended or completed post-secondary courses (52.9%) and were academic degree

holders (52.34%).

Etymology

Examples of finely crafted Moro blades made from Basilan "basih" (iron).

Oral traditions of the local Yakan people include several names for pre-historic Basilan: "Uleyan", which is derived from the present-

named Basilan Peak(Puno Mahaji), and later changed to "Matangal" after a mountain farther to the east of the island. These names were

presumably used by the Maguindanao traders from mainland Mindanao, utilizing these mountains as navigational landmarks when sailing

the Celebes Sea. Other names romantically given were "Puh Gulangan" or "island of forests", "Umus Tambun" or "fertile land", "Kumalarang"

after the westward flowing river on the island's western half which is also otherwise called Baunuh Peggesan.

[edit]Taguima

Pre-Hispanic texts from the royal archives of the Sulu Sultanate referred to the northernmost island of the Sulu Archipelago as Taguima, from the

Yakan who were called "Tagihamas" (people of the interior or hinterlands) by the Tausug and Samal peoples who came and settled in numerous

but scattered communities along Basilan's western and southwestern shores and outlying islets and island groups.

Later references mentioned "Bantilan", probably referring to Maluso, which was established as a major Tausug base by Sulu Sultan Muizz ud-

Din (whose princely name was Datu Bantilan).

Imperial Chinese texts mention a "Kingdom of Kumalarang" (from the Yakan "kumalang" or "to sing", owing to the location being a place for

celebrations and gatherings) during the Ming Dynasty, believed to be the island which now has a barangay of the same name on its northwestern

shores.

The first Spanish map of Mindanao officially naming "Basilan" island (instead of Taguima/Tagyma) by Nicolas Norton Nicols, published in

1757.

The earliest map of the Philippines which made reference to an island labeled "Taguima" was produced by Giacomo Gastaldi,

[4] throughwoodblock prints in 1548 and subsequently included in the influential travel book of Giovanni Battista Ramusio, the Della Navigatione

e Viaggi, which was published between 1556 and 1583 in three volumes. This was followed by Abraham Ortelius's work Indiae Orientalis

Insularumque Adiacientium Typus, published in 1573 in a German text edition of the atlas Theatrum Orbis Terrarum by Christophe

Plantin in Antwerp. As late as 1719,[5] a map titled "Die philippinische Inseln - Isle Brneo" by Allain Manesson Mallet

of Frankfurt, Germany featured an island still labeled "Tagyma I."

[edit]Basilan

The process by which all these names became "Basilan" is almost certainly due to miscommunication between the natives and the Spanish, as

well as the penchant to engage in editorial license by European map-makers of the era.[citation needed]

Basilan's name may also derive from its iron ore deposits. Tausug warriors and slave-traders from Sulu came to Taguima to purchase high-quality

magnetic iron ores, which they used for swords, knives and other blades. This profitable trade, helped in large measure by the establishment of

Maluso as a major military-naval base of the Sulu Sultanate, eventually gave the island the distinction of being the source ofbasih-balan, the

Tausug word for magnetic iron. Roughly translated and abbreviated, however, basih-lan means "the iron (magnet) trail" or "the iron way".

When several Tausug warriors were caught by the Spanish in one of their numerous raids on the Zamboanga settlement, Spanish officials

supposedly admired the artistry and skill that went into making the warriors' elaborately decorated swords, knives and blades, and asked where

these weapons could be bought. From atop the ramparts of the Spanish commandery at the Fuerza del Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Fort

Pilar), the warriors supposedly pointed to the island visible across today's Basilan Strait, and said, simply, "ha basih-lan".

Reports from the Jesuit reducciones in Zamboanga and Pasangen (Isabela) were relayed to Manila, where Spanish cartographer Pedro Murillo de

Velarde published Historia de la Provincia de Philipinas de la Compañia de Jesvs. Segvnda parte using the Jesuit printing press at Manila in

1749. It featured a map of the Philippines with the as yet unofficial "I. Basilan". The map was re-published byLeipzig map-maker Nicolaus

Bellinn for general European circulation in 1752.

Finally, to represent a clear break from the Habsburg Dynasty (which had ruled Spain for 184 years from 1516 to 1700), the first officially

sanctioned Spanish maps of its colonies, including "Las Islas de Mindanao", were commissioned by the Bourbons (1700–present). This particular

map of Mindanao, apparently copied from the Nicolaus Bellinn map of 1752, was published by Nicolas Norton Nicols in 1757, featuring

"Basilan" and bearing the royal stamp of Spanish Bourbon King Ferdinand VI. It has been called "Isla de Basilan" (Basilan Island) ever since.

[edit]Treasure Islands of the Southern Seas

Basilan Island's reputation as a staging-ground for Moro raids on Zamboanga, the Visayas and even Luzon, and as a temporary repository of the

plunder from these raids. gave the island a notoriety not unlike the "Treasure Islands" of the West Indies or the buccaneers' havens and pirate

coves of the Caribbean.

Spanish and Tausug fleets engaged each other in sea battles and skirmishes not far from the western shores of the islands. Many of their ships

were scuttled or sunk, sometimes with precious cargoes of traded goods and Mexican silver pieces meant for the fort in Zamboanga and the naval

squadron at Isabela, as well as goods en route to Jolo from the Mindanao mainland.

The Spanish Pigafetta expedition landed on a group of islets west of the main island of Basilan, where they found precious pearls; subsequent

Spanish cartographers aptly named these the "Isletas de Perlas" (Pearl Islets). Native Samal and Bajao folk called this group of islets and reefs

"Pilas" (Perlas), a name still used to this day. More recently, there have been local rumors about gold bars and other trinkets hidden among the

many islets by retreating Japanese troops at the end of World War II. To date, treasure hunters of various nationalities, among them Japanese and

Europeans, have scoured the area.

All these tales of treasures hidden in Basilan's many remote, unpopulated islets gave it the nickname "Treasure Islands of the Southern Seas",

immortalized in the official anthem of the Province of Basilan, "Fair Basilan", composed by Basilan lyricist and composer Tranquilino Gregorio.

[edit]

Lanao del Sur (Filipino:Timog Lanaw) is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Its capital is Marawi City and borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and Maguindanao and Cotabato to the south. To the

southwest lies Illana Bay, an arm of the Moro Gulf. Found in the interior of Lanao del Sur is Lanao Lake, the largest lake in Mindanao.

People and culture

Maranao is the most commonly spoken language in the province. Also spoken are Tagalog as well as English and Arabic.

Points of interest in the province include:

Mindanao State University  (Main Campus)

Aga Khan  Museum

Torogan (of Tuka)

Islamic Center of the Philippines (the country's largest dome)

Tallest Minarets of Marawi

Abu Bakar Mosque (largest mosque in Lanao del Sur)

Lanao People's Park (only park in Lanao del Sur)

Lanao Library

Ayala Resort Hotel (only hotel in Lanao del Sur)

Dansalan Market (natively known as Padian)

MSU Golf Course

piagapo firing line

tapukan falls located in wato

O.OO Kilometer zone (the reference point of all roads in Mindanao)

King Faisal Mosque King Faisal Mosque

[edit]Geography

[edit]Political

Lanao del Sur is subdivided into 39 municipalities and 1 city.

[edit]City

Marawi City

[edit]Municipalities

Bacolod-Kalawi  (Bacolod-Grande)

Balabagan

Balindong  (WATO)

Bayang

Binidayan

Maguing

Malabang

Marantao

Marogong

Masiu

Buadiposo-Buntong

Bubong

Bumbaran

Butig

Calanogas

Ditsaan-Ramain

Ganassi

Kapai

Kapatagan

Lumba-Bayabao

Lumbaca-Unayan

Lumbatan

Lumbayanague

Madalum

Madamba  (Uya-an)

Mulondo

Pagayawan

Piagapo

Picong  (Sultan Gumander)[1]

Poona Bayabao  (Gata)

Pualas

Saguiaran

Sultan Dumalondong

Tagoloan II

Tamparan

Taraka

Tubaran

Tugaya

Wao

[edit]Physical

Lanao del Sur forms the western portion of Northern Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by Lanao del Norte, on the east by Bukidnon, on the

west by Illana Bay, and on the south by Maguindanao andCotabato. The landscape is dominated by rolling hills and valleys, placid lakes and

rivers.

The climate in the province is characterized by even distribution of rainfall throughout the year, without a distinct summer season. The province

is located outside the typhoon belt.

[edit]History

Further information: Lanao (province)

[edit]Sultanate of Lanao

Lanao comes from the word ranao, meaning "lake." Lanao centers on the basin of Lake Lanao; thus, it is the land of the Maranaos, the "people of

the lake."

Lanao is the seat of the Sultanate of Lanao.

When the Spaniards first explored Lanao in 1689, they found a well-settled community named Dansalan at the lake's northern end. Dansalan

became a municipality in 1907 and a city in 1940.

[edit]World War II

In 1942, it was occupied by the Japanese Imperial forces who landed in Southern Lanao. On May 2, 1942, the former chief justice of the supreme

court of the Philippines Jose Abad Santos was killed by the Japanese Imperial forces in a Firing Squad at Malabang, Lanao del Sur. In 1945, the

first of the liberation forces landed in Southern Lanao and liberated the area with United States, Philippine Commonwealth troops together with

the Maranao guerrilla units. They used infantry weapons, the Maranao Kris, Barong and Kampilan swords against the Japanese forces in the

Battle of Lanao. In 1956, Republic Act NO. 1352 changed the name Dansalan to Marawi, taken from the word rawi, referring to the reclining

lilies abundant in the Agus River.

[edit]Division

When Lanao was divided into two provinces under Republic Act No. 2228 in 1959, Marawi was made the capital of Lanao del Sur. In 1980, the

city was renamed the Islamic City of Marawi. It is now the only chartered city in the country with a predominantly Muslim population.

[edit]Proposed Maranaw Province

In 1971, Republic Act No. 6406, which sought to create a new province out of eastern Lanao del Sur (now corresponding to the province's first

congressional district), was approved on October 4, 1971. The province was to consist of the municipalities of Bubong, Ditsaan-Ramain

(including what is now Buadiposo-Buntong), Kapai, Lumba-Bayabao (including what is now Maguing), Marantao, Masiu, Mulondo, Saguiaran,

Piagapo, Poona Bayabao, Tamparan, Taraka and Wao (including what is now Bumbaran), with the chartered city of Marawi serving as the new

province's capital. The division never took place due to the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines on September 21, 1972, which disrupted

the elections for 1973.

[edit]Joining the ARMM

In a 1989 plebiscite, Lanao del Sur voted to join the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), but Marawi City elected to remain

outside ARMM. It later joined ARMM in 2001 following the plebiscite that sought to expand the autonomous region.

[edit]

Maguindanao (Filipino:Magindanaw) is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south.

Geography

Maguindanao is composed of 36 municipalities, which are further subdivided into 492 barangays. Cotabato City is often grouped with

Maguindanao, but it actually independent from the province.

The province is divided into two congressional districts. In October 2006, the first congressional district was split off into a new province, Shariff

Kabunsuan. However, the ARMM's Act creating the province was nullified by the Supreme Court in July 2008, on the basis that creation of a

province is a function of the Philippine legislature. The area has since reverted to the province of Maguindanao.

MunicipalityNo. of

Barangays

Population(2007)

Area(km²)

Pop. density(per km²)

Ampatuan 11 33,702

Buluan   7 32,310

Datu Abdullah Sangki 10 33,259

Datu Anggal Midtimbang   7 23,713

Datu Hoffer Ampatuan 11[n 1] 22,471[n 1]

Datu Paglas 23 29,979

Datu Piang 16[n 2] 18,995[n 2]

Datu Salibo 17[n 3] 13,876[n 3]

Datu Saudi-Ampatuan 9[n 4] 25,249[n 4]

Datu Unsay 7[n 5] 22,622[n 5]

Gen. S. K. Pendatun 19 36,038

Guindulungan 11 23,777

Mamasapano 14[n 6] 23,830[n 6]

Mangudadatu   8 24,300

Pagagawan 11 32,995

Pagalungan 12 31,052

Paglat   8 23,432

Pandag   8 20,557

Rajah Buayan 11 24,973

Shariff Aguak (Maganoy) 14 41,725[n 7]

Shariff Saydona Mustapha 16[n 8] 20,463[n 8]

South Upi 11 32,014

Sultan sa Barongis (Lambayong) 12 25,767

Talayan 15 25,753

Talitay   9 21,964

Sulu (Tausūg: Sūg Arabic script: سوگ) is an autonomous island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.

Geography

Sulu's main island, Jolo is 15th largest island of the Philippine Archipelago in terms of the area, spanning 1,600 square kilometers. Sulu is a part

of the Sulu Archipelago, which stretches from the tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula to the island of Borneo. The main island and also its islets are

located between the island-provinces of Basilan to the northeast, and Tawi-Tawi to the southwest.

People and culture

Although consisting of a mixed community of Muslims and Christians, the Tausug dominate the Sulu Archipelago. The Tausug were among the

first inhabitants of the Philippines to embrace Islam as a religion and a way of life.

Their traditional religio-political structure is the sultanate. The sultan is the head of all ranks. Succession is by election by his staff although

patrilineal succession is the ideal.

The Tausug are referred to as ‘people of the current’, reflective of their close ties to the sea. The handicrafts of Sulu mirror Islamic and

Indonesian influences. Skilled artisans make boats, bladed weapons, bronze and brassware, pis cloth, embroidered textiles, shellcraft, traditional

house carvings, and carved wooden grave markers.

Economy

The province of Sulu is predominantly agricultural with farming and fishing as its main livelihood activities. Its fertile soil and ideal climate can

grow a variety of crops such as abaca, coconuts, oranges, and lanzones as well as exotic fruits seldom found elsewhere in the country such as

durian and mangosteen.

Fishing is the most important industry since the Sulu Sea is one of the richest fishing grounds in the country. The province also have an

extensive pearl industry. Pearls are extensively gathered and a pearl farm is established at Marungas Island. The backs of sea turtles are made into

beautiful trays and combs. During breaks from fishing, the people build boats and weave mats. Other industries include coffee processing and

fruit preservation.

Politics and administration

Sulu is subdivided into 19 municipalities.

Municipalities

MunicipalityNo. of

Barangays

Population(2007)

Area (km²)Pop. density

(per km²)

Banguingui (Tongkil) 14 22,502 124.00 181

Hadji Panglima Tahil (Marunggas)

5 6,192 49.50 125

Indanan 34 85,220 101.90 836

Jolo 8 140,307 22.20 6,320

Kalingalan Caluang 9 30,046 55.80 538

Lugus 17 21,650 35.40 47

Luuk 12 33,508 167.10 200

Maimbung 27 38,092 47.90 795

Old Panamao 31 49,903 51.10 977

Omar 8 25,102

Pandami 16 23,527 86.90 271

Panglima Estino (New Panamao) 12 35,263 45.00 783

Pangutaran 16 29,571 258.10 114

Parang 40 65,019 97.40 667

Pata 14 20,095 58.60 343

Patikul 30 56,805 179.30 316

Siasi 50 63,518 102.50 620

Talipao 52 85,920 141.00 609

Tapul 15 17,430 55.50 314

Tawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The capital of Tawi-Tawi isBongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast lies the province of Sulu and to the west is Sabah in Malaysia. Tawi-Tawi also covers some islands in the Sulu Sea to the northwest, the Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi Island and the Turtle Islands, just 20 kilometers away from Sabah.

Demographics

Most of the people in Tawi-Tawi belong to the Sama cultural group. Within this group are subgroups and named based on the location of the

speaker. Sama Sibutu are those from the Sibutu-Sitangkai Island Group, Sama Simunul are those from Simunul-Manuk Mangkaw Island Group,

and so on.

The Jama Mapun are largely found in the Cagayan Mapun and Turtle Island Group. Many of the people from the Turtle Islands and Cagayan

Mapunmaintain daily commerce with Sabah, since it is only 14 kilometers away.

The Badjao (also called "Sama Dilaut") are widely dispersed across the province. Though their population is diminishing due to diseases and

migration to other areas in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The Tausog or Tau Sug, Orang Suluk or Aa Suk are migrants from the Sulu Province and came to Tawi-Tawi in search of better livelihood

opportunities or run away from the seemingly unending conflict and violence in Sulu.

[edit]Language

The prevailing language is the indigenous Bahasa Sama which is widely used in varied tones and accents. This variety led to the development of

Sinama dialects. The major ones are Sinama Sibutu (spoken mainly in the Sibutu-Sitangkai Region), Sinama Simunul (concentrated in Simunul-

Manuk-Mangkaw Islands), Sinama Kapoan (spoken in the South Ubian-Tandubas and Sapa-Sapa Regions) and Sinama Banguingui (concentrated

in Buan Island and spoken by Banguingui people).

The Βajau-Ѕama language is also spoken, as are English and Filipino (Tagalog). Many local locals and barter traders can

speak Malay andIndonesian. Zamboangueño Chavacano is also spoken by Christian and Muslim locals who maintain contacts and trade with the

mainland Zamboanga Peninsula and Basilan.

[edit]Economy

Agriculture, fishing, and agar-agar farming are the leading source of livelihood of the people of Tawi-Tawi, with quite a number engaged in the

barter trade business. Copra is the top agricultural produce, followed by root crops, fruits, and vegetables.

[edit]Transportation

Sanga-Sanga Airport, the main airport of the province, is located in the municipality of Bongao.

Cebu Pacific will begin operating daily flight from Zamboanga City to Tawi-Tawi Province starting October 14, 2011, utilizing its 150-seater

Airbus A319 aircraft.

The oldest mosque in the Philippines can be found in Tawi-Tawi, as well as ethnic groups Sama, Jama Mapun, Tausug and Badjaos. It also serves

as a gateway to Sabah, Malaysia.

[edit]Geography

[edit]Political

Tawi-Tawi is subdivided into 11 municipalities:

Bongao is the capital of the province and a microcosm of religious and cultural diversity.

Languyan was created by then President Marcos for rebel leader Hadjiril Matba who decided to join the government fold in the 70s.

Mapun (Cagayan De Tawi-Tawi or Cagayan de Sulu)

Panglima Sugala was formerly known as Balimbing. However, after the EDSA Revolution, the word "balimbing" got a rather derogatory

definition as a turncoat because of fruit's many sides.

Sapa-Sapa

Sibutu is home to the descendants of Malay royalty in Borneo and not necessarily associated with the Sulu royalty.

Simunul is the site of oldest Mosque in the Philippines and home of the revered Sheikh Makdum one of the early pioneers in the spread of

the Islamic religion in the country.

Sitangkai the southernmost municipality in the country; known as "Venice of the South"

South Ubian

Tandubas

Turtle Islands are declared as turtle sanctuaries and protected areas in the Philippines.

TurtleIslandsMapun

LanguyanBongao

SitangkaiPanglima Sugala

South UbianTandubasSimunul

Sapa-SapaSibutu

 TAWI-TAWI

Sulu Sea

Most of the municipalities are located on the islands in the Sulu Archipelago. Two of them, Mapun, and Turtle Islands lie in the Sulu Sea. The

municipalities are further subdivided into 203 barangays.

[edit]Physical

Tawi-Tawi lies at the southwestern tip of the country. Irregular in shape, with splashes of white sandy beaches and rock-bound coasts, the

province has 107 islands and islets with a combined land area of 1197 km² (462 square miles).

The province has two seasons: dry and wet The climate is generally moderate. The wettest months are from August to November. The other

months of the year are generally dry with occasional rain showers.