History, Identity, Harmony: SAKAYAN Fest 2023 comes to a Close with Fluvial Parade
Port Area and Timpul Kids Enjoy a Day with the Hapisabela Mobile Library for SAKAYAN Fest
May 4, 2023
Courtesy Visit of Kasanyangan Center for Community Development and Microfinance Foundation
May 12, 2023
The 22nd Cityhood Anniversary of Isabela and the 2023 Sakayan Festival culminated with the spectacle “Parada Sakayan: Boat Float Competition”, May 06 at the Fuego-Fuego Beachfront, Tabiawan.
In what could be described as a fitting homage to the cultural diversity and maritime heritage of its peoples, the City Government of Isabela through its City Tourism Office staged the inaugural edition of this fluvial tilt with 11 sakayans from various organizations decked with iconic symbols of 11 ethnolinguistic groups —inspired by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman’s thrust on being “culturally diverse and proud” as a veritable platform to realize a happy and dignified life for all.
Starting from the JW Strong Boulevard —named after the founder of Basilan’s rubber industry —the flotilla made its way through Isabela Channel, cruising through Tampalan, until it reached Fuego-Fuego Beachfront —a seaside promenade that is home to the Tagima Quincentennial Historical Marker and the future Museo Isabeleño. More than the pageantry, the Parada Sakayan was a visual lesson in history, identity, and harmony; a gloria to the orature of birth and future of rebirth of Isabela City.
Participating contingents came from Alpha Kappa Rho, JCI Basilan, Eagles Club, JCI Basileña, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples – Basilan, Department of Education SDO-Isabela City, Basilan State College, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Isabela City, Tyro Gyn Phi, Infante Hospital Management Corp, and Anak Mindanao. (Words by M. Guerrero, CIO/Photos by S. Datu Indal)