Lamitan comes out of the shadows

Manila, Philippines -  Outsiders may pause before considering a visit, but Lamitan City in Basilan province is seeking to come out of the shadow of fear and terror that has heretofore been its unfortunate reputation.

From June 23 to 27, Lamitan hosts once again the Lami-Lamihan Festival which will showcase the rich and fascinating Yakan culture and the best-kept secrets of Lamitan City.

Now on its 29th year, the Lami-Lamihan Festival traces its roots to the Spanish era when Pedro Javier Cuevas, better known as Datu Kalun, wrested leadership from the native chieftains and established his own settlement. The meeting of Yakan chieftains, a blend of tribal conference and merry-making, was termed “Paglami-Lamihan,” from where the town’s name Lamitan originated.

The Lami-Lamihan festival highlights the preservation of Yakan heritage, customs and traditions though cultural presentations.

Festivities climax on June 27 with the street dance competition and the cultural dance tilt which will put the spotlight on the Yakan war dance, the “Tumahik” which is reminiscent of the age-old tradition when differences were often settled by personal combat.

The cool Bulingan Falls.

The dance extravaganza will also focus on other royal indigenous dances accompanied by the agong, kulintangan, gabbang and kuliang percussion instruments. Performances will also depict the authentic Yakan lifestyle, ceremonies, and interesting visual scenes with performers garbed in intricate and colorful Yakan costumes.

Lamitan mayor Roderick Furigay said that the festivity is also an opportunity to showcase the economic strides and advances in good governance the city has made since being declared a component city of Basilan on June 18, 2007. Its cityhood status was affirmed with finality last year by the Supreme Court.

With the moniker, “The City of Harmony,” Lamitan envisions the creation of more livelihood projects, strengthening its blossoming rubber and coffee industries, and delivery of basic social services and infrastructure befitting a city.

Due to its strategic location, Lamitan is Basilan’s center for commerce, trading and administration in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Fumiray said that Lamitan will be unveiling its beautiful natural wonders which are largely undiscovered because of the city’s negative public image on its peace and order situation.

Among these is Bulingan Falls, Lamitan’s iconic tourist attraction which boasts of a clear stream of water cascading from 21 feet high into its irregular rock formations through the rock pool surrounded by pristine forest where colorful flora and fauna grow in abundance and abandon.

The city also takes pride in the unspoiled fine sand beaches of Palm Beach, Ma-arena, Malo-ong Canal, and their corresponding lush underwater world.

Street dancing in the Lami-Lamihan Festival.

Guests can also visit Kalun Shrine and the City Museum to give them a glimpse of Lamitan’s history.

Furigay said that to harness its natural potentials, the city has organized the local tourism council to promote its alluring destinations as well as the people’s peace-loving character.

He concluded that it is time for Lamitan to set aside the stigma of its past, move on and move forward on the road to progress.

For more information, visit www.lamitan.gov.ph.