Isabela City Swimmer Muslimin Andami Wins Double Gold at ZPRAA 2026 Meet
The contingent from Isabela City in the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) meet achieved a remarkable feat on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, by harvesting two gold medals. This success was courtesy of elementary student Muslimin Andami, who dominated the swimming competitions with his outstanding performance.
Double Victory in Swimming Events
Muslimin Andami claimed two gold medals, one in the 400-meter freestyle and another in the 100-meter breaststroke swimming event for elementary boys. According to the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Isabela City, he walked away from the Binuangan City Government Aquatic Center with these prestigious awards on April 7, 2026.
Andami’s coach, Mojeer Ladjaanang, admitted he hadn't anticipated such a double victory, stating, “not quite like this, not all at once.” Ladjaanang was candid about the challenges faced during training, particularly in transporting the swimmers to the venue. He said, “Yung struggle ko talaga during the training ay yung pagdala sa kanila, paano ko sila dadalhin sa training venue.”
Despite these hurdles, Ladjaanang added, “But so far, above all, smooth sailing naman.” He emphasized that his plans extend beyond winning, aiming to build and develop more athletes from Isabela City, including those in swimming, who are waiting to be discovered.
Historic Hosting of ZPRAA 2026
The 22nd ZPRAA is being held for the first time in Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province. Dr. Ma. Laarni Villanueva, OIC-Isabela City Division of Schools superintendent, expressed during the opening ceremony on Monday, April 6, that hosting the event is “both an honor and a profound privilege for Isabela City to welcome everyone to this year’s ZPRAA 2026.”
Villanueva recalled the bittersweet memories of narrowly missing the bid to host the 2025 ZPRAA, highlighting that this milestone is about creating history and inspiring future generations. She credited Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman for her vision and support, which were instrumental in securing the hosting role.
In her welcome address, Mayor Hataman reflected on Isabela City's transformation from a once-overlooked locality to a confident, progressing city capable of hosting a major athletic event. She described the ZPRAA 2026 hosting as a dream once deemed impossible, now realized through unity, determination, and collective effort.
The ZPRAA 2026 is anchored on the theme “Championing Unity and Peace Through Sports,” underscoring the event's broader significance beyond competition.
