Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman was joined by Vice Mayor Kifli Salliman, city councilors and department heads in welcoming the delegation. In her welcome remarks, Mayor Turabin-Hataman acknowledged that it was a rare occasion for Isabela City to host large-scale events for the entire Region IX, and expressed her eageness to participate in this celebration. She conveyed her profound gratitude for the existence of local governance in the locality, emphasizing the positive impact it has on communities situated at a distance from the city center. Mayor Turabin-Hataman also underscored the importance of including the accomplishments the city has achieved thus far in the narrative of successful local governance.

In his keynote message, DILG IX Regional Director Paisal Abutazil explained that Isabela City was selected as the venue for the kick-off ceremony to highlight what Isabela City contributes to Zamboanga Peninsula. He further stated that the month-long celebration serves as an opportunity to simplify the fundamental principles that have guided them since the establishment of the Local Government Code as well as a chance to reaffirm the commitment to serving the public, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability.

Following this, was a presentation highlighting the accomplishments of Isabela City, along with a video message from DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan.

In his closing remarks, DILG IX Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Director Moh. Taha Arakama praised Mayor Turabin-Hataman for the substantial development in the city and conveyed his sincere appreciation, acknowledging Isabela City’s significant role as a contributor to the development of the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The event was concluded by offering a sneak preview of the forthcoming DILG Layag Summit, which is slated for October 23-25 in Zamboanga City.

The event witnessed the participation of a wide array of distinguished individuals, representatives, encompassing government officials such as the DILG directors of Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Director Oliver Ombos, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Director Mario Baterna, and Zamboanga City Ginagene Vaño-Uy. Also presente were Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur LGU SB Member Abdulgani Edris, LGU-Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay MLGOO Angelita Narciso, LGU-Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte Chief Advisor Gamar Janihim, PRO 9 Regional Plans and Strategy Management Division Chief PCOL Benito Recopuerto, ZCPO Chief PIO PMAJ Albert Alfaro, DA IX Zamboanga City and Basilan ACC/APCO Arnulfo Estrada, DBM Acting Chief Budget and Management Specialist Bryan Christ Arevalo, OCD IX Assistant Chief CBTS Raiyah Sindatoc, PCW-North Mindanao FO PAFR CFMP Gender and Development Specialist Gregory Louis Cadeatan Magbanua, DOT IX CTOO Wenceslao Galeza, DOH-ZPCHD IX Development Management Officer Lea Marie Toribio and CSC IX Senior HR Specialist Aime Balancar.

Also in attendance were PIA-Basilan InfoCenter Manager Nilda Delois Reyes, BFP-Isabela City Fire Station Fire SINSP Marshal Wilhelm Albrecht, DOLE-ICFO Marlyn Anoos, DPWH IX Isabela City-DEO District PIO Engr. Nadia Maulana, DSWD FO IX SWO/SWADT Leader Aisyl Sagoso-Atal, a delegation of city department heads led by City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, and a group of City Councilors, including Khaleedsher Asarul, Luis Alan Ritchie Biel, Bimbo Epping, Abner Rodriguez, and Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul, and DILG FOU led by CLGOO Pilar Gudio. Also present were several punong barangays from the city. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)