ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – The province of Basilan is gearing up to celebrate its golden anniversary from February 27 to March 7. 

The theme for the festivities is "Basilan@50: Advancing Our Gains, Expanding Our Capabilities Towards Better Life For All." The celebration, dubbed Tennun Pakaradjaan Basilan, will showcase the rich culture and traditions of the province, especially its tennun weaving tradition, as well as its journey towards peace and development.

Pakaradjaan is a Tausug and Yakan word meaning "merry-making." It was first held in 2011 and has become an annual event. However, some activities were canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The provincial government, under the leadership of Governor Jim Salliman, and all local government units in different cities and municipalities are preparing for a meaningful celebration, with major activities including a cultural parade, an agro-industrial fair, a cultural presentation, and the search for Mussah Si Tennun Pakaradjaan. 

The cultural parade brings together representatives from cities, municipalities, government offices, private sector organizations, and more to converge at in a chosen venue and date during the celebration. The agro-industrial fair provides an opportunity to showcase products from various sectors. The cultural presentation is a competition where contingents showcase their unique local cultures, depicting the history of Basilan and its people.

As Basilan celebrates its golden year,  it hopes for a more peaceful and progressive province in the years to come, inspired by the unique challenges it has faced in the past. (RVC/EDT/NDR-PIA Basilan)