The biggest sports competition in Region IX is about to begin, and for the first time in history, it will take place outside the mainland of Zamboanga Peninsula. This year, the City of Isabela, separated from the mainland by a body of water, will finally host the prestigious Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet.
Beyond Isabela City’s historic hosting, another milestone is set to unfold as a new division showcases its sportsmanship in ZPRAA 2026. Like Isabela City, this division is also separated from the mainland by sea—the Province of Sulu.
With banners raised in pride and determination visible in every step, the Sulu delegation set foot in Isabela City, April 3, and will be billeted at Basilan National High School (BNHS). The warm welcome marked a historic milestone for both the delegation and the host city.
At the city port, the delegation was welcomed by Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar Ajibon together with Councilors Asan Al-Ameen Camlian, Jashim Tiplani, Sara Sali-Ismael and Khaleedsher Asarul, and IPMR Panglima Jamalul Hajibun. Isabela City Schools Division officials and technical working groups led by SDS Dr. Ma. Laarni Villanueva also worked hand in hand to receive the delegation. Adding color to the arrival, the Drum and Lyre Corps of Badjao Floating Integrated School warmly welcomed the athletes from Sulu Province.
Aboard the Montenegro Shipping Lines Incorporated (MSLI) Kleopatra were the first 300 student-athletes, coaches, chaperones, and technical working officials, out of the 644 total participants proudly carrying the banner of Sulu Province. Together with the delegation were supportive provincial officials representing Governor Abdusakur Tan II, with Sulu Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Kharim Irilis; Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dolores Gonzalo; Chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division Dr. Suaiba Suaib; Chief of the School Governance and Operations Division Dr. Joel Alamia; and Division Sports Officer Nabdar Alli.
After the welcome ceremony at the Port of Isabela, the delegates and officials proceeded directly to their official billeting quarters at Basilan National High School–Night and the Akbar Building, where they will stay for the week-long sports competition.
“Sobrang bongga ng pag-welcome ng Isabela, talagang pinaghandaan nila,” said one athlete, expressing amazement at how the city welcomed them in their first ZPRAA journey.
The athlete further emphasized that the delegation had completed all necessary preparations to ensure quality performance in the competition. (Words by J. Amores, DepEd/Photos by M. Santos, CIO/Contributed Photos)
