LAMITAN City is in the thick of merry-making celebrating the "Lami-Lamihan Festival 2025," the 42nd year, which is a celebration of the Yakan culture, Christian-Muslim harmony.
The Lami-Lamihan festival kicked off with religious rites at Datu Kalun Shrine in Malinis village at 6 a.m. Thursday, June 26.
It is a fitting tribute to the late Pedro Cuevas, better known as Datu Kalun, who is regarded as a great leader and the founding father of Lamitan.
Mayor Roderick Furigay, who led the religious rites, hailed Datu Kalun as a visionary who bridged cultures, stood for peace, and guided the people of Lamitan through times of transition.
"His legacy lives on in the strength and resilience of the Yakan people and the vibrant multicultural community we now proudly call Lamitan City," said Furigay, a descendant of Datu Kalun.
The religious rites were followed by civic-military parade with resident wearing traditional hand-woven Yakan attire aboard floats.
"This festival is more than just a tradition. It is a reflection of who we are as a people. It is a celebration of the Yakan culture, Christian-Muslim harmony, and the unwavering spirit of unity and peace that defines Lamitan City," Furigay said during the opening program at the city-owned gymnasium.
"Let this moment serve as a powerful reminder: we are stronger when we stand together -- proud of our roots, respectful of our differences, and united in building a better future for all," he added.
Basilan Vice Governor and Congressman-elect Yusop Alano described Lami-Lamihan as a celebration that showcases a rich and colorful culture, strong unity, great leadership, and full of hope for the beloved city of Lamitan.
"You are home to a rich and colorful culture, especially the culture of our Yakans," said Alano, the keynote speaker of the Lami-Lamihan opening program.
Meanwhile, Furigay rallied his constituents, especially the village captains, to unite and reconcile whatever differences they have had during the May 12 mid-term elections, declaring that his office in City Hall is open to them, anytime.
"Let us be one again as LamiteƱos. My office is open to all," he said. (SunStar Zamboanga)