In a strong display of inter-agency collaboration and readiness, the Local Government Unit of Isabela City, in partnership with the Department of Education IX, convened a press conference for the upcoming Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet 2026 on April 6.
The press conference gathered key officials and stakeholders, led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, and representatives from the Department of Education, including regional and division officials, DepEd IX Assistant Regional Director Dr. Gregorio Cyrus Elejorde, ESS Division Chief Sheila Rose Apiag, Public Affairs Division Chief Dahlia Paragas, and SDO-Isabela City Sports Coordinator Dr. Arnel Hajan, underscoring the unified commitment to successfully host one of the region’s largest youth sporting events.
Mayor Turabin-Hataman highlighted the city’s preparedness and emphasized the significance of hosting ZPRAA 2026 after more than two decades. She noted that the city has mobilized all necessary resources—from billeting arrangements in local schools to transportation, security, and medical services—to ensure the safety and comfort of thousands of delegates arriving from across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Governor Mujiv Hataman, for his part, expressed full provincial support, stressing that the event is not only a celebration of athletic excellence but also an opportunity to showcase Basilan’s progress, peace, and hospitality. He called on all Basileños to extend their warmest welcome to visiting athletes, coaches, and officials.
“Mahalaga ang medalya, pero mas mahalaga sa kabuuan para sa amin ay mabago ang kinasanayang imahe ng Basilan. Dito pa lang, panalo na kami,” the governor said, emphasizing that beyond competition, the hosting of ZPRAA 2026 is a significant step toward reshaping public perception of the province.
DepEd officials, meanwhile, assured that all technical preparations for the conduct of games, officiating, and overall event management are in place. They also reiterated the importance of ZPRAA as a platform for young athletes to demonstrate discipline, sportsmanship, and regional unity.
Members of the media were also briefed on event schedules, venues, traffic management plans, and contingency measures to ensure smooth coverage and dissemination of information throughout the duration of the games.
As Isabela City gears up for the official opening of ZPRAA 2026, the press conference served as a final coordination platform and a call for collective participation in making the event a resounding success.
With the theme “Championing Unity and Peace Through Sports,” ZPRAA 2026 is expected to bring together thousands of student-athletes in a celebration of talent, resilience, and regional pride—marking a historic milestone for Isabela City and the Province of Basilan. (Words by M. Lim/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
