During a meeting-orientation, April 18, with partners, CTO Ramos II described the aim as a way to highlight the sakayan by way of “featuring decorated sakayans based on a cultural community… it will be a float parade.. which will start at Seaside, going through the waters of the Isabela Channel and will culminate at Fuego Fuego Beachfront in Tabiawan.” The parade will gather entries from government agencies, fraternities, and other associations/organizations with the champion getting P120,000 as prize.

Present during the meeting were representatives from AMIN Party List, BaSC, BJMP, DepED, JCI-Basilan, Infante Hospital, NCIP, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Akrho, Tau Gamma Phi, and Tyro Gyn Phi. Also in attendance were officers from PCG-Isabela City Station who will provide the necessary security during the event.

Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, on the other hand, has this to say to everyone gathered: “Let’s do this to educate ourselves, kasi bago pa nating i-educate ang iba, ang una-unang dapat makaintindi kung ano ang Isabela City at kung sino ang mga Isabeleño ay tayo. And this our opportunity to do that. Hopefully be a learning experience, to educate ourselves and educate our young generations and eventually the rest of Mindanao even the country kung paano nabuo ang Isabela.”

This year’s 22nd Cityhood Anniversary and Sakayan Festival carries the theme “Many Colors, One Rainbow” featuring activities spread across 11 days from April 25-May 06. (Words by M. Guerrero/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)