In celebration of its 24th Cityhood Anniversary, the City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, hosted the Sakayan Boat Making Contest on April 26, at Plaza Rizal. The event was organized through the City Tourism Office headed by City Tourism Officer Claudio Montebon Ramos II, as part of the vibrant Sakayan Festival 2025.
Participants showcased their creativity and craftsmanship by building miniature boats using materials provided by the organizers. The contest highlighted the rich maritime culture of Isabela City, paying tribute to the traditional sakayan boats that have long been a symbol of the region’s heritage.
Judging the competition were Architect Grace Tipa, Project Development Officer IV of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO); Lennie Adjain, Municipal Tourism Officer of Sumisip; and Nurjia Adjaraini-Abdulkadil, Senior Tourism Operations Officer (STOO) at the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) Basilan Provincial Office.
The winners of the Sakayan Boat Making Contest will be announced on April 27. The Champion will receive P5,000 and a plaque of recognition, while the second-place and third-place winners will receive P4,000 and P3,000 respectively, each with a plaque of recognition.
To further honor participants, the Top 12 entries will also be awarded consolation prizes of P1,500 each. Meanwhile, all non-winning participants will be given a SM gift certificate worth P500 as a token of appreciation for their efforts and participation.
The Sakayan Boat Making Contest is one of the highlights of the Sakayan Festival 2025, reflecting the city’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural identity while celebrating its continued growth and achievements. (Words by R. Natividad-Sarael, CIO/Photos by KJ Lim, IsaTV)
