City Government of Isabela de Basilan led by Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman officially launched its HAPISABIDA or the HAPIsabela Business Investment & Development Academy with the theme “Discover. Evolve. Innovative Business Opportunities in the New Normal” today, August 19, 2021 at West Terminal Food Court, Rizal Ave., Aguada Brgy., this city.

HAPISABIDA is a 6-month Business Development Incubation and Mentoring Bootcamp under the auspices of LEDIPO Business Development Division, wherein a series of training and coaching sessions on financial literacy, basic bookkeeping, inventory, management and other related skills designed to ensure the sustainability of a business venture, as well as mentoring/monitoring and business support services to include access to markets (A2M), access to finance (A2F) and access to technology (A2T).

Recipients of the City’s various assistance programs are budding entrepreneurs and Barangay Micro Business Enterprises, clients of the City’s Microfinance Program and Livelihood Assistance Grants, who shall be profiled and enrolled in the program, mentored and evaluated, to ensure profitability, productivity and sustainability.

Towards this end, the City shall partner with community partners, the appropriate national government agencies such as DOLE, the academe and local finance and banking sector for a whole-of-nation approach to development that will involve all stakeholders in the community.

During the program, LEDIPO Jamju Rivera explained how the HapIsaBIDA can promote entrepreneurship as a major component of sustainable local economic development and to recognize creative and innovative products and services. He also introduced the LEDIPO BDD Team and various program partners.

In her message, Mayor Dadah stated that acquiring a skill in doing business is a must nowadays, particularly skills on how to grow and increase our wealth, “Gusto nating bumuo ng ecosystem kung saan yung mga mamamayan ng Isabela ay marunong kumita, marunong magnegosyo,” she said.

Also in attendance were Councilor Karel Sakkalahul, LGU Department Heads, DOLE ICFO and other stakeholders.

The program ended with a dance number to the tune of HAPIsabela Jingle by the Unkapansakan, winner of the recent online dance contest organized by City Tourism Office.