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May 13, 2020 | The Isabela City Tourism Office has awarded the top winners of the first ever Sakayan Festival Boat Making Contest and the My Boat Story: Essay Writing Contest.  

Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Dadah Turabin Hataman led the simple awarding ceremonies at the Isabela City Gymnasium.

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As one of the judges of the My Boat Story: Essay Writing Contest, she highlighted how the essays did not just tell stories but also saw the symbolism of the boats in the lives of the writers. She also recited a personal reflection which drew inspiration from the essay and boat craft entries. And we are pleased to share it to everyone:

‘I am an islander

I know when to ride waves and when to conquer them

I know how to trust an unfathomable depth and know how to keep its secrets

I can sense a brewing rumbling beneath a calm surface and know when to challenge it and when to simply wait

I know how to keep my feet firm on a swaying floor, when to rise to claim my steering place and when to sit and submit in humility.

I navigate endless horizons but i have learned the language of the wind that directs me to my destination.

And though i may anchor on land so my roots may grow, the sea forever beckons, her restlessness, my peace.

I am an islander.

I cannot be contained.

I cannot be subdued.

I cannot be still.

My soul is made for boundless voyage.

-Sitti Djalia Dadah Turabin Hataman

Mayor, Isabela City de Basilan