Mayor Turabin-Hataman thanked DILG IX Regional Director Paisal Abutazil for the support in her message, saying, “I know you are proud of what is happening in Isabela City, and knowing that the regional office is behind us and supporting us motivates us even more.”

She also spoke about the history and context of the newly established BAGO Office, the first of its kind in Region IX and expects the collaboration to be more fruitful as the city heavily relies on barangay officials to carry out all LGU community-wide initiatives.

City Administrator and Legal Officer Atty. Adzlan Imran explained that the establishment of the BAGO is legally mandated by Executive Order No. 037 s. 2022, an order establishing the Barangay Affairs and Governance Office (BAGO), which will serve as the primary planning and implementing unit, as well as provide and facilitate technical and non-technical assistance to the City Mayor on all barangay-related matters.

Regional Director Paisal Abutazil expressed his sincere support for all of the current administration’s programs, and as a director for ten years in DILG, has personally witnessed Isabela City’s transformation from a conflict-affected area to an emerging and developing city. He also emphasized that none of the city’s programs would be possible without the support of all stakeholders and barangay officials, and he asked the punong barangays to provide all necessary support for the BAGO’s success.

“This BAGO initiative as conceptualized by City of Isabela is very laudable and even at national level the City of Isabela has already established itself as one of the best performing cities in the country.”

He also expressed his full support for the new office’s establishment and assured that all DILG programs and projects involving barangays will be anchored through the BAGO.

The event concluded with remarks from BAGO Consultant Pedrito Eisma, and this was followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony establishing the launch of the Barangay Affairs and Governance Office (BAGO).

Gracing the activity were DILG CLGOO Pilar Gudio, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod namely: Councilors Candu Muarip, Khaleedsher Asarul, Ar-Jhemar Ajibon, Alan Ritchie Biel, Yusop Abubakar, Bimbo Epping, Jeromy Casas, ABC President Tammy Ismael, PNP-ICPS COP Junpikar Sitin, different Barangay Chairs, city departments heads and city personnel. (Words by S.J. Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)