The Sakayan Festival 2026 was formally opened with a grand program held at the Isabela City Grandstand following the successful Parade of Lights on April 25, marking a significant milestone in the celebration of the city’s 25th Charter Anniversary and its journey since the ratification of Republic Act No. 9023.
In her message, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, represented by District 1 Board Member Ahmed Djaliv Hataman, paid tribute to the key figures behind the city’s creation and honored the collective efforts of its citizens who turned the vision of cityhood into reality. She emphasized that the Sakayan Festival reflects the spirit of cooperation and shared progress, likening the city’s development to a journey powered by unity and a common purpose.
Mayor Turabin-Hataman highlighted the city’s growth over the past 25 years, citing strengthened institutions and improved public service delivery, while acknowledging that challenges remain. Anchored on the theme “Isabela City at 25: Reflections and Directions,” she called for sustained commitment to inclusive development, resilience, and people-centered governance.
“Malayo pa, pero malayo na. It is both an affirmation of progress and a call to remain steadfast in the work ahead,” the mayor said. She concluded by urging continued unity among Isabeleños in building a stronger, more inclusive, and forward-looking city.
The opening of the Sakayan Festival was marked by a meaningful keynote address from SPDA Administrator and CEO Abdulgani Salapuddin, who paid tribute to the remarkable transformation of Isabela City as it celebrates its 25th Silver Cityhood Anniversary, while underscoring the values of unity, inclusive governance, and collective progress embodied in this year’s celebration.
Salapuddin described “Sakayan” as both a traditional mode of transportation of seafaring communities and a symbol of shared progress. “It is the means by which all Isabeleños—even those from other parts of Basilan—can ride together toward a common destination,” he said. He noted that the festival honors the city’s maritime heritage through a vibrant parade of decorated fishing boats along the Basilan Strait, showcasing the culture, livelihood, and history of the local community. “This is a very vibrant cultural celebration showcasing Isabela City’s rich cultural identity,” he added.
Highlighting inclusivity, he stressed that the celebration reflects a local government that ensures participation from all sectors. “This manifests inclusive governance—ensuring that women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups participate in decision-making and access services,” he said.
He also commended local officials for strengthening accountability and democracy, noting that these efforts drive sustainable development and reduce social tension. “Development is not achieved by leaders alone, but through the collective participation of the people,” Salapuddin emphasized.
Actor and guest speaker John Estrada delivered an inspiring message, commending Isabela City for its transformation into a peaceful, orderly, and progressive community, and urging Isabeleños to continue shaping a brighter future through unity, compassion, and shared responsibility.
“I can proudly say to the whole Philippines that Isabela is very peaceful and orderly already,” Estrada said, as he recognized the city’s progress and the strong sense of peace now felt across the community.
He emphasized that the celebration of Isabela City’s Charter Anniversary serves as a reminder that every citizen has a role to play in building the city’s future. “Let this Charter celebration be a reminder that we are all part of something greater. Each of us has a role in shaping the future of this city—whether through small acts of kindness or bold steps toward innovation. We all contribute to its legacy,” he said.
Estrada also highlighted that genuine development goes beyond roads, buildings, and infrastructure, stressing that the true strength of a city lies in the character and unity of its people. “A city does not grow through infrastructure alone. It grows through compassion, unity, and shared responsibility. It grows when we lift each other up, when we protect what matters most, and when we commit ourselves to creating a better tomorrow—not just for ourselves, but for the generations yet to come,” he emphasized.
He likewise extended his commendation to Governor Mujiv Hataman, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, and Gerry Salapuddin for their leadership and commitment to the city’s growth. “Your leadership is unquestionable. You are delivering on the vision of the people, and you are doing an excellent job in leading Isabela City toward a brighter future,” Estrada said.
In his remarks, Governor Mujiv Hataman underscored the vital role of the people in shaping the success and continued growth of Isabela City during the opening of the Sakayan Festival, reminding Isabeleños that the city’s Silver Cityhood Anniversary is not only a celebration of cityhood but also a celebration of the people whose efforts built the city’s story.
Hataman emphasized that the occasion honors more than the legal milestone of becoming a city—it recognizes the collective achievements, sacrifices, and progress made by the people of Isabela City over the past 25 years. “Hindi lang natin ipinagdiwang ang cityhood ng Isabela, kundi ipinagdiwang din natin ang kwentong mabuti na ginawa ng mga Isabeleño—lahat ng ating sama-samang nagawa sa nakaraang dalawampu’t limang taon,” Hataman said.
He stressed that Isabela City’s development cannot be credited to leadership alone, noting that every gain achieved by the city was made possible through the support, trust, and active participation of its people. “Bumuti ang Isabela hindi lang dahil sa naging mga lider ninyo. Kung wala kayo, wala ring Isabela na narating sa kinalalagyan nito ngayon. Hindi rin kami magiging lider kung hindi dahil sa inyo, at hindi rin magiging matagumpay ang aming pamumuno kung hindi ninyo kami sasamahan,” he emphasized.
Governor Hataman also reaffirmed his commitment to continue working hand in hand with the people in advancing both Isabela City and Basilan in the years ahead, emphasizing unity and shared purpose as the foundation of sustained progress. “Kayo at kami, magkasama tayo lagi. Titiyakin naming mas lalo pang uunlad ang ating lungsod at lalawigan sa darating pang dalawampu’t limang taon mula ngayon,” Hataman declared.
An energetic opening salvo by the Pasangan Cultural Dance Troupe and HAPIsabela Singers highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the city, captivating the audience with vibrant performances. A key highlight of the evening was the symbolic banging of the gong, signifying the official opening of the festival.
The program also featured a musical performance by Voces Isabela finalists, the awarding of Parade of Lights special recognitions, and concluded with a band performance that energized the crowd, marking a festive and meaningful start to the Sakayan Festival 2026. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
