Basilan, the largest island in Sulu Archipelago, marks its establishment with the Pakaradjaan, an annual festival of sports, culture and community service. ‘
“Pakaradjaan” is a Tausug and Yakan term for merry-making or special event. Although it is traditionally celebrated from March 1 to 7, this year, the provincial government has extended it to two weeks.
Gov. Jim Salliman Hataman will kick off Pakaradjaan with a press conference on Feb. 21 at the Garden Orchid Hotel.
The festival opens Feb. 26 with a ceremony, a trade fair and a presentation of the Muse of Pakaradjaan at the grandstand. The Governor’s Tennis Cup will be held at Isabela.
There will be a groundbreaking ceremony of the provincial government board’s project and a medical mission (Feb. 27), followed by the Basilan Circumferential Road Caravan, which starts at the Maluso Terminal (Feb 28), another medical mission in Tuburan (March 1).
The weekend starts with a job fair and a series of sporting events in men’s volleyball tournament at the Capitol Ground, shooting, bowling tournament at the D’ Biel’s bowling center (March 1). The darts tournament will be followed by a Himig ng Basileño at the grandstand (March 2).
Intelligence and artistry will be challenged in Tagisan ng Talino and a poster making contest (March 3). Also, on Sunday, a badminton tournament will be held at gymnasium and a variety show, Barangay Night at the amphitheater.
The week begins with a full day of events (March 4). A fun run will span from Begang to the grandstand. Devotees will be inspired by the Qu-Ran Memorization Contest at the amphitheater. The indigenous culture will be celebrated in “Tara Na Sa Basilan” at the grandstand.
A regatta on the port, kite flying and the coronation of the Muse of Pakaradjaan will take place (March 5). The festival also has a social cause with a feeding program for children under five years old in three municipalities (March 6). An evening program with surprise numbers will be held at the amphitheater.
Finally, the festivities will climax with cultural program at the Assembly Place of the Maluso Terminal and a Basilan Night at the gymnasium (March 7).
Basilan was under the Zamboanga province in the 20th century. After the war, it became a separate city under law. In 1973, President Ferdinand Marcus issued a presidential decree to make it a province to but dampen the fighting between government and Muslim groups. For so long, the province has been hogging the headlines due to skirmishes with the Abu Sayaff.
In 2011, the provincial government organized the Pakaradjaan to honor Basilan’s Foundation Day. President Benigno Aquino declared March 7 as a special holiday to commemorate the event. The fiesta aims to promote the province as a friendly destination.
