Denise Alyssa G. Villamar
Filipinos are getting more and more involved in protecting the environment and coming with up with solutions to maintain its current state. As for the locals of Lamitan City in Basilan, they’ve went creative and managed to act against plastic pollution.
The newly-opened Forever Tulip Garden is made of plastic waste is located at Sitio Panansangan, and officially opens in public on Monday, September 23. However, as early as this weekend, locals have already visited and amused the place.
This admirable initiative is part of the intensified solid waste management campaign called “Abante Lamitan, Atras Basura.”
If you will visit Basilan’s latest attraction, you’ll see a garden composed of 30,000 tulips painted in various colors, which would remind you of the vibrant gardens in Amsterdam. It can also be compared with the Layugan Garden in Abra, and is made with 10,000 artificial tulips in vibrant colors – visited by tourist day and also at night as it’s made of LED.
However, the recycled tulips in Basilan are made from plastic bottled collected by the city government, headed by Mayor Rose Furigay.
The Paradise that is Basilan
Basilan is two hours away from Mindanao’s westernmost tip in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Due to the island’s picturesque views, clear waters in the lake, and sought-after vibe, there’s no doubt, Basilan deserved the titled as “An Island of Hope.”
While the Tulip Garden may be a new destination to behold, guests can also take a detour at Malamawi Island, where they will be awed with the long stretch of the white sand beach and turquoise waters.
To know more about its rich culture, there’s the Yakan Heritage Building where they display art and culture gallery featuring artifacts, traditional musical instruments and weaving practices of the Yakan people.
Other notable tourist attractions in Basilan includes the Bulingan Falls, Chapel of Peace, Taguime Shrine, and the Kaum Purnah Mosque.
Searching for best hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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