Sakayan Festival showcases cultural heritage in Isabela City

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By: Roel Pareño 

ISABELA CITY, Basilan — Colorfully decorated boats filled the channel between this city and Malamawi Island on Saturday afternoon May 2, 2026 as the Sakayan Festival highlighted the diverse cultural roots of Isabela’s communities. 

The fluvial parade, featuring vessels inspired by traditional “sakayan,” capped the weeklong celebration of the city’s silver anniversary of cityhood. City Tourism Officer Claudio Ramos said the annual event continues to grow, with organizers aiming to emphasize the cultural origins of settlers who arrived in Isabela and this province from different parts of the country. 

“We want to go back to the cultural communities—who arrived here and what they brought with them,” Ramos said, noting the influence of groups such as Ilocanos, Cebuanos, and other ethnolinguistic communities.

Participants decorated their boats with symbols representing their heritage, including windmills associated with Ilocos, the “sarimanok” of the Maranao, and festival elements from Iloilo, Tausug, Sama-Badjao and its native Yakan among others.




Ramos said the Sakayan Festival is evolving into a distinct identity for the city, moving away from traditional street dancing and instead utilizing Isabela’s coastal setting.

“This is becoming a brand for Isabela. Since we are a coastal city, we are maximizing our natural setting to create something unique and exciting,” he said.

The event drew strong participation from local stakeholders, with eight groups joining this year’s parade. Organizers also worked closely with the Philippine Coast Guard and local security forces to ensure safety amid strong water currents.

Ramos described this year’s celebration as one of the largest festivals held in the city, noting increased public support and participation. 

He also reported positive economic gains, particularly from the city’s “Comida Fair,” which generated around P2.5 million in sales by its sixth day.

Tourism activity likewise picked up, with both domestic and foreign visitors attending the festivities.

“We’ve seen foreign tourists coming and inquiring about our offerings and the festival,” Ramos said, adding that accommodation capacity in the city was fully booked during the event.

City officials, led by Mayor Sitti Djalia “Dada” Turabin-Hataman, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and vowed to further enhance the festival in the coming years.

Organizers said they plan to build on this year’s success by introducing more innovative elements to make the Sakayan Festival even more vibrant and inclusive. ###

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