Boats glided across the waters of James Walter Strong Boulevard last July 7, as the City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Tourism Office led by CTO Claudio Ramos II, in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard – Isabela City Station, staged the Regatta Alegria 2026: The Sakayan Boat Race — part of the ongoing Fiesta Alegria na Ciudad de Isabela de Basilan 2026: The 176th Patronal Fiesta Celebration in Honor of Santa Isabel de Portugal.
Now an annual tradition, the race once again placed the spotlight on the Sakayan as a symbol deeply woven into the island’s identity, honoring the maritime stakeholders who continue to give life to Isabela’s coastal communities.
This year’s competition ran under the Bangka Anak-Anak Boat Race Category, divided into four thematic divisions: Bangkero (Male-Single), Couple (Husband and Wife), LGBTQIA+ (2 Pax), and Youth (2 Pax).
Bangka Anak-Anak (Male/Female) Category
Champion: Arjim Mulki (₱5,000.00 + Fiesta Alegria Medal)
2nd Place: Fredo Tumarin (₱3,000.00 + Medal)
3rd Place: Haiber Salisa (₱2,000.00 + Medal)
Bangka Anak-Anak (LGBTQIA+) Category
Champion: Krismar Suya & Rolly Luis (₱5,000.00 + Fiesta Alegria Medal)
2nd Place: Belsan Pagiskulan & Nelsam Amlaji (₱3,000.00 + Medal)
3rd Place: Muktadil Galejego & Alkawi Galejego (₱2,000.00 + Medal)
Bangka Anak-Anak (Couple) Category
Champion: Alfaiza Hiya & Alkama Hiya (₱5,000.00 + Fiesta Alegria Medal)
2nd Place: Nasirin Mijal & (₱3,000.00 + Medal)
3rd Place: Naser Basaral & Dina Hanapiya (₱2,000.00 + Medal)
Bangka Anak-Anak (Youth) Category
Champion: Serwin Sahak & Mujib Sahak (₱5,000.00 + Fiesta Alegria Medal)
2nd Place: Haime Adalal & Albasser Usman (₱3,000.00 + Medal)
3rd Place: Rolly Luis & Krismar Suya (₱2,000.00 + Medal)
All non-winning participants across the four divisions received a consolation prize of ₱1,000.00 and a Certificate of Participation.
Gracing the event were Councilor and Committee Chairperson on Tourism and Beautification, Alexes Infante Ututalum, and Councilor and Committee Chairperson on Transportation, Jashim Tiplani. Also present was Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative Jamalul Habibun, who extended full support to the event and to the continued promotion of Isabela de Basilan’s maritime and nautical lineage.
More than a display of skill and speed on water, the Regatta Alegria 2026 stood as a celebration of Isabela City’s deep-rooted maritime heritage — a reminder of the vital role of Sakayan and bangkero communities play in shaping the island’s identity, culture, and way of life. The event reaffirmed the City Government’s commitment to uplifting and honoring its coastal communities as the celebration of Fiesta Alegria continues.
