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Shrouded by the dark mists of unrecorded history, the circumstances and time of the coming of the first settlers of Basilan may forever remain an unexplored mystery. So scarce are the historical data available about Basilan before the 16th century that almost nothing can be written about this island before the Spaniards come to wage a war of conquest against the native.

The early settlers were the Orang Dampuan (one of the early Papuan tribes from New Guinea). It is said that the Yakans are the descendants of the Orang Dampuans because the colorful costumes they wear today has never changed indicating strongly their culture, their unchanging customs and tradition that dates centuries ago. The Yakan comprise the biggest ethnic group in the province. They are known for their weaving prowess that produces fabric of colorful and intricate geometric patterns, as well as for their elaborate weddings and festival.

Then came the traders who are preachers from Borneo and Sumatra in the late 14th century who spread the Islamic faith. The descendants of Dampuans who retained through the centuries their origin customs are Muslims who practice the religion of Islam long before the coming of the Spaniards. The Yakans are religious and peace-loving people and most farmers. The other tribes who live harmoniously with the natives until now are Tausogs, Samals, Badjaos, and Christians from various Philippine tribes. There are however, legends handed down to generations, which, up to the present exists. It is said that the origin of the natives is from one of the region in India. A newly wed couple name Kan and Ekya, accompanied by seventy male and seventy female helpers spend their honeymoon in the Indian Ocean as a customary practice. During the voyage however, a very strong gust of wind blew which lasted for several days. Until one day they reached land when their vessel called Balanda was shipwrecked on seashore due to big waves. Fortunately, no one perished in the shipwrecked so they were free to settle on the new land-this same land, now known Basilan. The one hundred forty men and women inter-married and Kan became their unquestioned leader. The coming of the early Muslim Malayan traders made them to embrace Islam.

In time the Malayans and the people of Kan with an agreement of peace lived together intermarrying with each other and continues development, "YAKAN" was born from the name "EKYA KAN".