The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Tourism Office headed by CTO Claudio Ramos II, extended its full support to the 128th Conmemoracion de Terremoto of the Prelature of Santa Isabel de Portugal on September 21. This year’s edition carried the theme: “Santa Isabel de Portugal: Protectora entre Calamidad y Defensora de Matrimonio Santidad” (Santa Isabel de Portugal: Protector amidst Calamities and Defender of the Sanctity of Marriage).
In unity with the Catholic faithful of Isabela City and in recognition of the occasion’s significance to the city’s history and cultural identity, the Local Government actively assisted in organizing the event. Among its contributions were the decoration of the basnig that bore the image of Santa Isabel de Portugal during the fluvial procession, the provision of flowers to adorn the cathedral for the Holy Mass, the installation of tents and chairs for elderly devotees, and the readiness of the CDRRMO to respond to any emergencies.
The commemoration recalls the miracle believed to have occurred during the powerful terremoto (earthquake) of September 21, 1897. Tradition tells of a woman resembling Santa Isabel who appeared by the shore, raising her hand to command the towering waves to retreat, saving the city and its residents from destruction. Today, Isabela City remains the only place in the entire Sulu Archipelago that continues this unique tradition of a maritime procession, a lasting testament of faith and heritage. (Words by M. Guerrero, CIO/Photos by KJ Evardo, IsaTV)
