Under the artistic direction of City Tourism Officer Claudio Ramos II, the Pasangen Cultural Dance Troupe wowed the audience at the closing of the 2023 Zamboanga Peninsula Exposition (ZAMPEX), October 8 at KCC Mall de Zamboanga.

In a performance suit titled ‘PAGLALAKBAY: Mahal Kong Isabela de Basilan —Spectacles of Love through Fashion, Music, Movements and Dance,’ the presentation gave everyone in attendance a chronology of the history of Isabela City, a taste of its diverse cultures, and a visual tour of its scenic tourist spots.

In her message, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman expressed how the event was not only a showcase of what the city could offer but also to tell the world what Isabela City is now —far from its past narrative of conflict, it is now a place where Isabeleños could thrive and build a future with peace and dignity.

Present to show their support were Basilan Lone District Representative and Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman, Vice Mayor Jhul Kifli Salliman, Councilors Bimbo Epping and IPMR Mary May Julhari, and city government department heads. Also in attendance were Department of Trade and Industry IX Regional Director Engr. Al-Zamir Lipae and DTI Zamboanga City Provincial Director Grace Aduca.

Isabela City’s participation in ZAMPEX —on its second year —was made possible through the concerted efforts of the Office of the City Mayor, the City Tourism Office and the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office led by Division Chief Jaime Juanito Rivera.

Organized by the DTI IX every October of the year in conjunction with Zamboanga City’s Hermosa Festival, this event gathers local MSMEs in the region and provide opportunities to showcase local products and business. For the 2023 edition which ran from October 6-8, ZAMPEX carried the theme ‘Upgrade. Unskill. Upsize.’ (Words by M. Guerrero, CIO/Photos Courtesy of LEDIPO)

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