HAPIsabela Tourism Assistance Center
𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗦𝗞𝗨𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬
September 2, 2021
COMMUNITY BASED LIVELIHOOD TRAINING GRADUATION
September 7, 2021
HAPIsabela!!!
 
Early today, September 02, 2021, Happy City of Isabela de Basilan
 
The Local Government Unit of Isabela de Basilan led by Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman through the Isabela City Tourism Office formally launched and opened the HAPIsabela Tourism Assistance Center Center together with the newly appointed Undersecretary of Department of Tourism Hon. Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar and DOT OIC Regional Director Wenceslao Galeza Jr.
 
Also in attendance were Councilor and SP Council Chairperson on the Committee on Tourism and Beautification Hon. Karel Sakkalahul and Port Area Barangay Chairperson Hon. Mahamud Joe along side with PESO Manager Ara Belleng, City Information Officer Mendry Anne Lim, OIC City Engineer Gian Luna, Local PNP Julpikar Sitin, LEDIPO Chief Jamju Rivera and City Tourism Officer Claudio M. Ramos II.
 
The HAPIsabela Tourism Assistance Center will be the focal building for tourism information, bookings and guests tourism requirements. It will also serve as the area for souvenirs and other locally made product which are truly #TatakHAPIsabela!
City Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman highlighted the efforts of the LGU of Isabela de Basilan in improving the lives of many who are dependent in the tourism industry and those whose lives are connected with tourism and our James Walter Strong Boulevard. She also extended her thanks to the Department of Tourism for its support to the Happy City of Isabela de Basilan.
Meanwhile Undersecretary Valderrosa-Abubakar who happens to be the granddaughter of the first Mayor of Basilan City, the Late Mayor Nicasio S. Valderrosa, expressed her gladness and joy to be back in Isabela de Basilan. She manifested that her suport will always remain true to the LGU’s Tourism endeavors. DOT ‘s OIC Regional Director Galeza, expressed his congratulations to the LGU for prioritizing tourism as one of its core agenda. He also reminded the participants to apply all the learnings and use the tourism tools and paraphernalia to improve their jobs in the tourism industry.
 
Another highlight of the event was the MOA Signing of the DOT’s grant to Isabela de Basilan amounting to PhP 4, 450,000.00 which will be used from September to December this year. The LGU of Isabela de Basilan is the only recipient of the this grant, from a proposal entitled TSCOPE or the Tourism Short Courses as Opportunities for People Empowerment submitted by the Isabela City Tourism Office. The TSCOPE is a series of capacity development for all tourism stakeholders affected by the pandemic. These trainings will advance existing competencies and at the same time open new interests to better and advance sustainable tourism and inclusive employment for all as explained by City Tourism Officer Claudio M. Ramos II.
 
The event today ended with the distribution of Tshirts, life vests safety kits and safeth rubber rings to members of the HAPIsabela Tour Guide Association and the Sadlufun Bangkeros Association. The Bangkeros also received one sack of rice (25kgs) as part of their attendance to the 3-day Basic Life Support Training.
 
We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who joined us today – the Office of the City Mayor, City Administrator Joel Zanoria, Barangay Council of Port Area and its Happy Force, Street Vendors, 19th Special Force Company, the City Engineers, the City General Services led by Mr. Eugene Strong, the Marang Marang Women’s Association, the Santa Barbara Women’s Association, Ms. Bernadette Estrada, the City Information Office, PIA, the Local PNP and Team, the Sadlufun Bangkero Association, the HAPIsabela Tour Guide Association, PESO, Mr. Jamju River and LEDIPO, CDRRMO led by Sir Uso Dan Salasim, Finance Team of the LGU and Deputy Speaker Mujiv S. Hataman for the support, assistance and well wishes to the LGU of Isabela de Basilan and its Isabela City Tourism Office.