The City Government of Isabela, through the City Tourism Office, held the Ramadhan Lights Switch-On on February 16 at the City Hall Lobby, in celebration of the holy month of Ramadhan. The event aimed to foster a spirit of unity, reflection, and cultural appreciation among residents, while highlighting the city’s commitment to promoting religious observances and community engagement.
In her remarks, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman expressed her heartfelt joy, saying that it is inspiring not only to see our community grow in size but also to witness it becoming stronger, more resilient, and more capable of achieving meaningful things together.
She emphasized that the sacred month of fasting provides Muslims with a valuable opportunity for spiritual renewal, reflection, and mercy, and highlighted that here in Isabela City, across all of Basilan, such occasions allow people of different faiths to come together, share their beliefs, and experience the devotion of both Christians and Muslims, fostering a deep sense of brotherhood, unity, and collective strength that uplifts the entire community.
A Ramadhan message was delivered by Alzad Sattar, Vice President of Internal Affairs of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council (BUSC). He highlighted the enduring values of compassion, peace and spiritual renewal that the holy month brings, reminding attendees of the significance of empathy and service to others. This was followed by BUSC Chairman Aboulkhair Tarason, who offered a heartfelt duwaa (prayer) for peace, guidance, and the well-being of the community.
Queenie Padilla highlighted that Ramadhan is a time to grow spiritually, be patient, humble, and show good character. She encouraged everyone to live by these values every day and offered prayers for healing, hope, and peace. She also urged people to let the light of Ramadhan inspire their faith and to practice God-consciousness, compassion, and honesty during the holy month.
A key highlight of the evening was the simultaneous illumination of Ramadan lights across prominent city landmarks, including Isabela City Hall, Plaza Misericordia, Plaza Rizal, James Walter Strong Boulevard, Aguada Bridge, and Isabela City Park in Fuego-Fuego.
The program commenced with a heartfelt prayer led by Jayda Abdulmajid, a student from Mahad Abduwahab Akbar, setting a reflective and reverent tone for the evening. The ceremony gathered local officials, religious leaders, stakeholders, and members of the community, reinforcing the city’s dedication to promoting unity, faith, and cultural heritage. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
