As part of the opening of the 22nd Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet on April 6, hosted for the first time by the City of Isabela, the event kicked off with the Layag: ZPRAA 2026 Fluvial Parade, a vibrant sea procession that showcased the region’s cultural pride and unity.
Delegations from across the Zamboanga Peninsula participated, including ZANDIDAA (Zamboanga del Norte, Dipolog, and Dapitan City), Sulu, Zamboanga City, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, and Isabela City. Each group presented creatively decorated sakayan (boats) representing cultural communities such as the Subanen, Chavacano, and the Tri-People concept.
The boats were transformed into floating cultural displays, featuring colorful costumes, music, dances, and artistic presentations that highlighted each community’s traditions and way of life in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.
Serving as a dynamic backdrop, the waters of Isabela City became the parade route, beginning at Fuego-Fuego as the assembly area. The procession moved toward Diki and Carbon near Malamawi, circled Moro Island, continued along JW Strong Boulevard, and concluded near the city pier up to Aguada Bridge.
The fluvial parade also drew strong public interest, with spectators lining the coastal areas to witness this rare water-based spectacle. Local officials and organizers noted that the event added color and meaning to the opening of ZPRAA 2026, highlighting both athletic unity and cultural display.
Anchored on the theme “Championing Unity and Peace Through Sports,” the ZPRAA Meet 2026 goes beyond athletic competition, emphasizing camaraderie, cooperation, and shared heritage as provinces and cities come together in a festive expression of solidarity and pride. (Words by E. Banding-Hadjala, CIO/Photos by KJ Evardo & A. Puti, IsaTV)
