This year’s theme is anchored at “Tennun fortifies ingenuity, perseverance and cooperation amidst the challenges confronting Basileños.”

City Hall officials and employees gathered Monday morning, March 1, 2021 during the simultaneous flag raising ceremony.

 

In his message, City Vice Mayor Jhul Kifli L. Salliman shared how he missed moments during pre-pandemic period and underscored the lessaon that he learned during these hard time highlighting the connection that has been established that brought deeper and stronger bond.

“Kahit gaano kahirap, kahit gaano katindi ang pangamba natin sa kamag-anak natin, sa mga kahalubilo natin, andun pa rin ang desire natin para sa Isabela City. Dahil mahal natin ang Basilan, kailangan nating silang pagsilbihan. Despite sa takot, sa kaba, yun yung dapat natin i-overcome,” VM Salliman said.

 

Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman meanwhile honored her roots and delightedly shared the rich and unique culture of yakan handicrafts shown in the colorful weaves of tennun. She raised the ingenuity of the people of Basilan who are known to the world not just for their unique craft but outstanding best practices especially during the time of pandemic.

“Napatunayan ng Basilan Province kung paano kaya nating magcooperate, kung paano yung ingenuity natin. Ang dami pong mga beat practices na lumabas mula sa Isabela city, na lumabas sa Basilan na tinitingnam po ng the rest of the country na pwedeng mareplicate nila, na pwedeng ipamahagi,” Mayor Dadah shared.

 

Mayor Dadah also added, “Sana throughout the month of March and throughout the year laging iisipin ng Isabela City kung ano ang kaya nyang i-ambag para sa Basilan Province.”

She also reminded everyone that although its a challenge for Isabela City to be under Region 9 administratively while the rest of the province is under BARMM, “nasa iisang isla po tayo, nasa puso po natin ang pagkakaisa natin, kaya lagi po nating iisipin yun.”

 

She conluded her message with, “Sa lahat ng ginagawa ng Isabela City, let it be a reflection to the whole province of Basilan. Let it be an inspiration for the whole province of Basilan. Let it be yung panawagan po namin dati na sana ma-take on ulit ng Isabela City ang pagiging leading City for the whole province of Basilan”.

 

The month long celebration of Pakaradjaan 2021 shall highlight the diverse culture, handmade crafts as well as the natural bounties of Basilan in various show centers and media platforms. Conduct of majority of these activities shall be held virtually and minimum public health standards shall likewise be observed.