In a homecoming ceremony held at the Port of Isabela, February 28, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman as honorary head of delegation expressed her immense pride as she welcomed home the 806-strong athletes, delegation officials, technical personnel, coaches and chaperones, and honorary members who represented Isabela City Division Athletic Association in the 2025 Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet, held in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.
Mayor Turabin-Hataman stated that the athletes were the pride of Isabela City and that their dedication, discipline, and perseverance exemplified the true spirit of the young Isabeleños. She also mentioned that their achievements in the ZPRAA 2025 served as an inspiration not only to their fellow athletes but to the entire city.
The Isabela City contingent competed in multiple sporting events, showcasing their athletic prowess and raking a total of 66 medals, 13 of which are gold, 16 silvers, and 37 bronzes. Thus, anticipated to see action in the 65th Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte are the city’s finest in athletics (400-M Dash, 4x100m Relay, Javelin Throw), arnis, pencak silat, taekwando, and baseball.
The city government affirmed its commitment to investing in sports development programs and ensuring that young athletes receive the necessary training and support to further excel. (Words by M. Guerrero, CIO/Photos by KJ Evardo, IsaTV)