The Provincial Government of Basilan held the Provincial Eid Celebration and Tennun Pakaradjaan 2026 Culmination Program on March 23 at the Basilan Government Center in Sta. Clara, Lamitan City, bringing together leaders, stakeholders, and communities in a meaningful celebration of faith, unity, and culture.
Among those present was Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, whose strong support underscored the city government’s continued commitment to initiatives that promote cultural heritage, spiritual development, and inclusive community engagement.
Basilan Ambassador for Goodwill Queenie Padilla underscored faith, unity, and service as the foundation of Basilan’s identity, likening its people to threads in a Tennun cloth that symbolize strength and diversity. She highlighted Islamic banking as a model of ethical prosperity, emphasizing that wealth is a trust (amanah) that must serve people through fairness, social responsibility, and inclusive growth. She also recognized the Yakan people as cultural bearers of the Tennun tradition and commended the unity among Basilan’s diverse communities, including Muslims, Christians, indigenous groups, and uniformed personnel.
Padilla expressed gratitude for the contributions of local leaders, workers, women, and youth, and praised Governor Mujiv Hataman’s leadership in fostering peace and development. She urged the public to continue practicing faith, unity, and service, describing the celebration as a new beginning for Basilan’s continued progress.
In his Eid message, Governor Hataman highlighted that this year’s Ramadan observance was unique, as the province dedicated an entire month to spiritual reflection and activities led by the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council and the religious sector. He expressed gratitude to the organizers for the successful celebration and called for understanding and compassion, reminding the public that Islam teaches guidance rather than condemnation. He emphasized that the true essence of Ramadan goes beyond fasting, highlighting patience, humility, and respect for others, and urged everyone to carry these values forward in building a more meaningful and progressive province.
The program opened with a Qur’an reading led by Ustadz Kiram Abdulkadir, followed by welcome remarks from Vice Governor Jim Hataman Salliman, represented by Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Basilan Board Secretary Moh Noore Ladjagais. A Naseeha was delivered by Dr. Aboulkhair Tarason, chair of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council and Mufti of Darul Ifta Basilan. A solidarity message from Bishop Leo Dalmao of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan was delivered by Rev. Msgr. Santiago Agoo Jr.
The event also featured a prayer break, awarding ceremony, dinner, and a closing duwa’a led by Sheikh Munir Muluk, Deputy Mufti of Isabela City, marking the culmination of Tennun Pakaradjaan 2026 and reinforcing Basilan’s shared commitment to faith, unity, and service. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
