As part of the vibrant celebration of Fiesta Alegria de Isabela 2025 and the 175th Patronal Fiesta of Sta. Isabel de Portugal, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman and Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar Ajibon graced the opening of the Dia de Comunidad Cristiano, July 4, one of the community-centered events of this year’s festivities.
Anchored on the theme “175 Years of God’s Faithfulness through Sta. Isabel: Hope Amidst Challenges,” the three-day celebration—held from July 4 to 6 along Misericordia Street—reflected the deep faith, unity, and enduring resilience of the Isabeleño people.
Organized by the Sta. Isabel Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council with full support from the City Government of Isabela under Mayor Turabin-Hataman and Vice Mayor Ajibon, the event was made possible through the coordination of the City Tourism Office headed by Claudio Ramos II, in partnership with the City Agriculture Office.
A major highlight of the celebration was the Kadiwa Gulay Galore, part of the BCC Fair & Expo 2025, showcasing fresh and locally grown produce from various farmer groups, including the Maligue Women Farmers Association, Grupo sa Mag-uuma sa PAHP Baluno, Binuangan Farmers, Vegetable Growers Association, the Isabela City FITS Center, and IDCAF Farm School. The fair served as a platform to support local agriculture and promote food sustainability.
More than a cultural showcase, the Dia de Comunidad Cristiano provided a reflective space for members of the Basic Christian Community (BECs) across barangays to come together.
Also present were City Councilors Jeromy Casas and Yusop Abubakar, Parish Youth Director Rev. Fr. Ronel Antonio, PPC Vice President Lilia Bucoy, and Parish Administrator Rev. Fr. Pascual Benitez Jr.
It can also be recalled that former Basilan Lone District Representative Mujiv Hataman authored RA 12220 which declares every July 8 as a Special Working Holiday in Isabela City in honor of the Feast of Sta. Isabel de Portugal to be known as Fiesta Alegria de Isabela. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
