With a total land area of 97,530 square kilometers, Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It is also home to beautiful beaches and landscape areas, including the Pink Beach in Zamboanga, Dinagat Islands with waterfalls, beaches, caves, and the Marang-marang mangroves in Isabela de Basilan.
This island has a lot more to offer. Still, the sad reality is that only a few local and international tourists are willing to experience this paradise. It’s because of the stigma of violence and crime attached to Mindanao.
Department of Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar
“Local and foreign alike generally have a negative outlook of the Mindanao islands,” says Department of Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar during the Philippine Tour Operators (PHILTOA) general membership meeting last June 14, 2023, at the Manila Hotel. “For decades, there has been a disproportionate amount of negative news about the island, painting it as a dangerous place. Even worse, whenever something bad happens in the municipality, barangay, or even in the smallest of communities in the island, it will always be reported in the news as Mindanao not as that area.”
With the help of PHILTOA and other organizations, DOT wants to change that image and position Mindanao as Asia’s next Muslim-friendly destination. It began during the event, where the organizers spotlighted Basilan Province's potential as a thriving tourist destination.
About Isabela City, Basilan
In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, the mayor of Isabela City, Basilan Province, Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman said that in 2022 there were 30,000 tourists visited their city. For some, it might be a small number. Still, for Mayor, it’s a good indication that people braved their fear of seeing Mindanao, and Isabela City.
Mayor of Isabela City, Basilan Province, Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman
“Malaking tulong po yung mga taong naglakas loob na pumunta sa Isabela, lalo na yung mga influencer like Kulas and recently Erwan Heussaff,” she says. “Also, tinulungan po talaga kami ng DOT na sinama nila ang Isabela City sa mga circuits nila.”
She also proudly announced that they are confident that Isabela City is now a tourist-ready place. They already rolled out plans for sustainability, ensuring that their natural resources and landscape area won’t be exploited. In one of their beach areas, the local government unit (LGU) is implementing a daily cap off regarding the number of visitors.
“We controlled the number of guests in some of our tourist destinations,” she says. “Second, we make it to the point that the community is involved. We understand that they need to earn money, so we give them other support and opportunities so they will not solely depend on tourism industry.”
Regarding healthcare, Mayor Hataman is proud that they can provide good healthcare services in Isabela City, given that the city has three private hospitals and the Basilan General Hospital.
Some of the best spots to visit in Isabela City are Bulingan Falls, Isabela Channel, and the boulevard for sumptuous food trips. According to Mayor, it is best to visit their town every April or the whole duration of the local summer season.
