Seven marching bands from elementary and integrated schools across Isabela City gathered at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center on July 5, for the 2026 Bandoreal Chikiting: Drum and Lyre Competition, a highlight event of the Fiesta Alegria na Ciudad de Isabela: The 176th Patronal Fiesta Celebration in Honor of Sta. Isabel de Portugal.
Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar Ajibon delivered the welcome remarks, formally opening the bandoreal competition before an audience gathered to witness the young performers’ discipline, coordination, and musicality. Education Program Supervisor for Kindergarten Fe Carna Jabarani also delivered a message during the program.
After a spirited display of marching precision and musical showmanship, Calvario Elementary School was declared the champion of the 2026 Bandoreal Chikiting: Drum and Lyre Competition, receiving a cash prize of P40,000 along with a special plaque of recognition. Badjao Floating Integrated School placed 2nd and took home P30,000, while Sunset Elementary School secured the 3rd spot with a cash prize of P20,000.
Special recognitions, each carrying a cash incentive of P4,000 and a plaque of recognition, were also awarded during the event:
Most Disciplined Group — Badjao Floating Integrated School
Best Performing Marching Band — Calvario Elementary School
Tatak Kabogera Best in Costume and Style — Geras Integrated School
The seven participating schools were: Isabela East Central Elementary School, Calvario Elementary School, Geras Integrated School, Sunset Elementary School, Badjao Floating Integrated School, Kaumpurnah Elementary School, and Maligui Elementary School.
The competition was judged by a distinguished panel composed of Genesis Hijara, Band Master of Colony National High School in Lamitan City; Leo Jay Solon, Band Master of Tairan National High School in Lantawan; John Alfred Ligutom, Band Master of Claret School of Maluso; Richard Falcatan, Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Catholic Church Affairs; and Atty. Rosebelle Sanson, City Legal Officer of LGU Isabela City.
The 2026 Bandoreal Chikiting: Drum and Lyre Competition forms part of the ongoing festivities of Fiesta Alegria na Ciudad de Isabela, brought to the public by the City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Tourism Office led by City Tourism Officer Claudio Ramos II, and in partnership with the Department of Education – Isabela City Schools Division led by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Maria Laarni Villanueva.
The competition stood as a testament to the young musicians’ months of practice and the schools’ unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, discipline, and civic pride among Isabeleño youth — values that continue to strengthen the spirit of unity and excellence in Isabela City. (Words by S. Angging, CIO/Photos by K. Digon, IsaTV)
