The City Government of Isabela led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, extended a warm welcome, July 07, to the participants of the Angat Bayi along with Councilor Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul by providing them with valuable insights into the exemplary practices, ongoing effective programs, initiatives, and services of the local government in the realms of women empowerment and gender equality.

City Information Officer and concurrent Gender and Development Focal Mendry-Ann Lim elaborated on the commendable practices and comprehensive range of services provided by LGU-Isabela City. She delved into the intricacies of the local government’s efforts in different domains, such as maternal and child health, the notable strides in addressing nutrition and governance, significant headway in promoting women’s economic empowerment, social services, safety and protection and its special concerns, on recognizing the power of information, education and communication, and organization-focused initiatives.

During the presentation of the HAPIsabela GADvocate CCR Database System, City Civil Registrar Dayang Mirhama Jaljalis shared data on birth registrations, parents’ occupations, a summary of mothers’ occupations, the number of single mothers per barangay, the most notable death registration, its common causes of death, and a summary of deceased individuals categorized by gender and occupation, emphasizing on the importance of data in implementing GAD programs. This GAD project of CCR was conferred with 2022 Layag Awards on Gender and Governance by DILG IX.

Participants had the opportunity to hear inspiring testimonials from beneficiaries of the Economic Livelihood program and during the open forum, had learned firsthand about the successful strategies and initiatives adopted by the City Government of Isabela as well as transformative impact of the program on the lives of individuals and communities, highlighting how the program had empowered them economically and improved their quality of life which aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and advancing gender equality within the community.

The brief presentation was then followed by a courtesy visit to the Sangguniang Panlungsod where they were welcomed by Vice Mayor Jhul Kifli Salliman. The delegation were also toured around the City Hall premises particularly the HAPIKidsZone and Lactating Area found at the ground floor of the building. The group then proceeded to the HAPIsabida Showroom located at the Cyberzone Building, Public Market to witness first-hand the various products of the benefiaries of the GAD Livelihood Program of the city government.

Highlights of their visit were the meet-and-greet with two LGU-assisted women organizations in the city, the Basilan Women Weavers Association of Tampalan (BAWWAT) joined by Councilor Mary May Julhari, and the Marang-Marang Women Association where they were also joined by Mayor Turabin-Hataman at the Marang-Marang Floating Cottage.

Angat Bayi Polical Empowerment Fellowship is a program of BAYI, Inc. that envisions to contribute to the full meaningful participation of women in decision-making at all levels and in all spaces: home, community, educational institutions, workplaces, media, public sector and the government, and regional/ international formations through the elimination of barriers to women’s entry to these spaces, support to and mentorship of women leaders and emerging leaders, advocating for feminist transformative leadership, and building of a network of women leaders, allies, and constituency to realize a people-centered, rights-based, gender-responsive, participatory, empowering, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development agenda.

Present were LEDIPO Chief Juanito Jaime Rivera, Reycel Villas from PESO, Faye Barandino of CHRMO, Saudi Alasa of the OCM Microfinance Project, HAPIsabela Women Dressmakers Association President Yolanda Savariz, PESO GAD Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Beneficiary Maria Theresa Ebol, Sandra Abda and Norjanna Abdullah. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by K Evardo, CIO)

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