Still in observance of the National Indigenous Peoples Month, the City Government of Isabela under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman brought the flagship program Dia de Isabeleños, October 11, at Barangay Sta. Barbara in Malamawi Island. This edition however was specifically prepared for the various IP communities residing in the said island.

In her message, Mayor Turabin-Hataman reinforced the notion of how the IPs of Isabela City are active participants in the city’s march toward progress, thus they are deserving of the LGU’s various projects and programs. This was seconded by Basilan Lone District Representative and Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman, who was present during the activity as he touted the recently inaugurated IP Housing Project that his office collaborated with the National Housing Authority. Representative Hataman underscored that the 300-unit housing, costing almost 60 million pesos was meant to extend the dignity of a decent household for an often marginalized sector of society.

Also present to show their support were Vice Mayor Jhul Kifli Salliman together with Councilors Yusop Abubakar, Ar-Jhemar Ajibon, Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul and IPMR Mary May Julhari. It can be recalled that last year, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed Ordinance 22-698 which declares October 29 of every year as Indigenous Peoples Day in Isabela City. The measure was authored by Malamawi resident, IPMR Julhari.

The Dia de Isabeleños at Sta. Barbara was organized by the Office of the City Mayor under the auspices of PESO Manager Aradelria Belleng and CSO Desk Officer Norhaiya Macusang. It saw the following services offered by various LGU offices, and national government agencies:

information-dissemination courtesy of CIO, MBHE-TESD, DOLE-ICFO, PSA Basilan, PIA Basilan Infocenter, and BFAR Isabela City

free medical-dental services from CHO and Basilan General Hospital

anti-rabies vaccination from CVO

free contraceptives and family planning orientation from CPMDO

free seeds from City Agriculture Office

free seedlings from DENR-ICCENRO

raffle draw and prizes from City Tourism Office

job postings from CHRMO

application for Solo Parent, Senior Citizen, and PWD ID from CSWDO

application for Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates from CCRO

pre-registration for PhilSys from PSA

stall display of HAPIsabida products and services from LEDIPO

membership registration from PhilHealth and SSS

scholarship opportunities and tips against illegal recruitment from OWWA IX

processing on Certificate of Confirmation for IPs from NCIP Basilan

Gracing the event were City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, City Agriculturist Ma. Gina Alberto, PIA Basilan Infocenter Manager Nilda Delos Reyes, NCIP Basilan Provincial Officer Engr. George Jocutan and Sta. Barbara BLGU headed by Punong Barangay Jim Fernandez among others. (Words by M. Guerrero/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)

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