The Ten Outstanding Young Isabeleño Awards successfully wrapped up this year’s Linggo ng Kabataan month-long celebration, September 7, at the Isabela City Cultural and Civic Center. The event, organized by the City Government of Isabela under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman and orchestrated by the Local Youth Development Office headed by LYDO Levinia Jarejolne, aimed to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of ten remarkable young individuals dedicated to their community.
Mayor Turabin-Hataman personally graced the ceremony to honor and support the awardees and the youth, marking the event’s grand finale. In her message, she congratulated this year’s awardees for their significant contributions to the City of Isabela and praised the Local Youth Development Office for the event’s successful execution, and quoted “…naniniwala ako na ang kabataan, at lahat ng Isabeleños, kahit sa ano mang larangan ay kayang makipagsabayan.” She also emphasized that she will always be here supporting the youth for she believes that youth have the power to shape a better future and urged them to use their potential to make a difference.
Meanwhile, Basilan Board Member District 1 Ahmed Ibn Djaliv Hataman, in his message, highlighted that youth should learn to dream big, as nothing is impossible. He envisions that one day, some of those present in the event could become future leaders—mayors, governors, congressmen, or other influential figures in society. It is his passion to inspire everyone to dream for themselves, for Isabela, and for Basilan.
The 2024 Ten Outstanding Young Isabeleno Awardees, recognized for their exemplary efforts in various categories, are: (1) Economic Empowerment – Ariel Singson; (2) Active Citizenship – Rashini Eeman Amiluddin; (3) Active Citizenship – Therese Olhane Tulabing; (4) Environment – Michael John Solomon;
(5) Health – Tony Tumalon; (6) Agriculture – Hussein Bacal; (7) Good Governance – Shane Angelique Garcia; ( Good Governance – Mahdiqall Pastorfide; (9) Social Inclusion and Equity – Almudzni Abdurasid; and (10) Social Inclusion and Equity – Sharif Manzar-I Tahajid.
In addition, the Local Youth Development Office honored participants from various Linggo ng Kabataan 2024 events. Awards were presented to winners of the Photography Contest, Battle of the Brains, Battle of the Bands, Mobile Legends Tournament, and Basketball Tournament. Recognition was also given to the Volunteers of the Year, Youth Champions, and various partnering agencies.
Isabela City’s celebration of its outstanding youth underscores the city’s commitment to nurturing the future leaders of the nation. By honoring these young individuals for their diverse contributions, the LGU not only recognizes their current achievements but also inspires others to engage in community service and personal development. Such initiatives demonstrate the city’s dedication to building a robust foundation for tomorrow’s leaders, ensuring that the values of excellence, responsibility, and civic duty are deeply ingrained in the next generations. (Words by KJ Lim, IsaTV/Photos by KC Galos, CIO)