Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___ 
Introduced by HON. MUJIV S. HATAMAN of the Lone District of Basilan 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Basilan has been known to be a melting pot of different cultures from Christian and the 
Muslim faith alike. Its people have been co-existing in harmony despite many challenges in 
peace and security for so long. Because of the perseverance of the people of Basilan, it has 
overcome many of those peace and security challenges and today, Basilan is known to be one 
of the most inclusive and peace-loving communities in the Sulu Archipelago and the 
Philippines in general. People from different faiths, are free to express and celebrate their roots, 
cultures, and traditions in the province. 
Isabela City, a component city of the province of Basilan has a very rich history that 
adds to the flavor of the Isabeleño culture. While most parts of the province are inhabited by 
people from the Islamic faith, Isabela City is predominantly Catholic Christian, as Spanish 
voyagers, including Ferdinand Magellan, passed by the islands during the period of their 
conquest. Consequently, many cultures and traditions of the Spaniards were assimilated in the 
local culture including the Catholic Christian faith. In fact, Isabela City was named so, in honor 
of Reina Isabela Segunda (Queen Isabel II of Spain). 
November 8, 2022
4:56 pm
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For many years, Isabeleños celebrate “Fiesta Alegria na Ciudad de Isabela” every 
eighth of July to celebrate its patron saint Santa Isabel de Portugal (St. Elizabeth of Portugal). 
Like many feasts in the country, Fiesta Alegria brought in people and families together to 
participate in different activities. 
Beyond its religious context, this feast has become a platform for different people 
coming together as one community through the various activities lined up every year. These 
activities elevate the historical, and cultural appreciation and consciousness of those who take 
part in the celebration. Fiesta Alegria through the years have fostered a sense of unity amidst 
diversity, and proves that pluralism can indeed pave way to community development. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
HON. MUJIV S. HATAMAN 
Representative 
Lone District of Basilan 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___ 
Introduced by HON. MUJIV S. HATAMAN of the Lone District of Basilan 
AN ACT DECLARING JULY 8 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING 
HOLIDAY IN THE CITY OF ISABELA, PROVINCE OF BASILAN IN 
CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF ST. ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL, TO BE 
KNOWN AS FIESTA ALEGRIA DE ISABELA 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. July 8 of every year is hereby declared as special nonworking 
holiday in Isabela City, Basilan in celebration of the feast of St. Elizabeth of 
Protugal to be known as “Fiesta Alegria de Isabela”. 
SEC. 2. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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