WIA Episode 14 | BASILAN Part 2: Exploring the Future (co-written by Ed Lingao and Gretchen Ho)

WATCH TIL THE VERY END! This is part 2 of our Basilan special.

In Part 2: Exploring the Future, the exploration of the island province continues as we dive deeper into its tumultuous history and ongoing efforts to maintain peace.

After our eye-opening visit to Al-Barka, we're on the move to uncover more through the towns of Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip, and Maluso; unveiling the island's hidden treasures and discovering the potential that Basilan holds when it comes to tourism.

This episode shifts the focus from the past, to the future, with the Youth of Basilan being the perfect conduit and representation. Scars and wounds have gone so deep, yet aspirations among the youth remain strong. Maybe the key to breaking generational cycles is with them.

In the first ever Basilan Youth Congress, provincial board member Amin Hataman, who is the son of former-governor and now-congressman Mujiv Hataman, brings together voices from the different towns of Basilan, young leaders who are starting to take their power and are now being given enough space, silence and sanctity to dream.

Veteran journalist Ed Lingao is also accompanied on this trip by wife Esther, bringing with them some laptops and solar lamps to donate as part of The Laptop Project, in honor of their late daughter Ellie, who had a great love for knowledge. Gretchen Ho brings volleyballs for the kids, and a lesson or two about the sport.

These are valuable for healing scars, sounds of gunshots and taking the kids back to schools.


** Basilan Parts 1 & 2 are written by both Gretchen Ho and Ed Lingao with interspersing voices to give varying points of view and a proper side-by-side account of what Basilan was before, what it is now and where it seems to be headed.

00:00 - Introduction to Our Basilan Part 2 Adventure
Tasting Marang and Continuing Our Journey

01:01 - Exploring Basilan's Hidden Gems
Venturing Along the Basilan Circumferential Road

03:44 - Discovering Tipo-Tipo
A Look at the Heart of Basilan

07:25 - Meeting Chooky Dompol
Local Youth Development Leader and Project SPICE Advocate

09:06 - Planting Seeds of Hope
Engaging with Young Leaders in Basilan

12:41 - Taguima Youth Congress: Shaping the Future
The First Youth Congress Addressing Drug Issues and Opportunities

16:40 - Sumisip, Basilan
A Visit to Brgy Tumahubong and Reflecting on Its Complicated History

20:32 - Father Rhoel Gallardo Plaza
Healing Divisions: Christians and Muslims Coming Together
Distributing Laptops, Solar Lights, Cellphones, and Volleyballs

26:19 - Peace Memorial at Mahatallang
A Symbol of Change: Exploring the Basilan Transcentral Road

28:04 - Journey to Maluso
Hiking to Upper Garlayan and Marveling at Garlayan Falls

31:15 - Addressing Rido (Clan Wars)
Efforts to Resolve Conflicts in Basilan

34:03 - History of Maluso and Basilan
From French Territorial Ambitions to Drug Capital to Good Governance

38:13 - Amin: A Youth Leader's Vision
Aiming to Transform and Develop Basilan

39:40 - Isabela City
Discussing Leadership and How Sports is Helping The Youth

43:39 - Marang-Marang Women’s Association Floating Cottages
Exploring Tourism and Unique Floating Cottages

46:59 - Reflections on Basilan
Understanding the Conflicts and Envisioning the Future

49:02 - Ed’s Bigger Purpose: Honoring His Daughter's Legacy
Bringing Eli’s Legacy to Life Through Our Laptop Project

54:55 - Extro
Wrapping Up Our Basilan Episode and Looking Ahead