Held at the sidelines of the successful Lunsod Lunsad Ropa Rampa: The Tepo and Tennun 2.0 Fashion Show, the City Government of Isabela through the City Tourism Office led by the Philippines’ Best City Tourism Officer Claudio Ramos II held the inaugural HABI (Heritage Builders of Isabela de Basilan) Awards, December 03.
The HABI Awards is a heartfelt recognition of the extraordinary women who have dedicated themselves to preserving, promoting, and advancing the rich intangible cultural heritage of Isabela City. This award is also a tribute to the women culture-bearers whose tireless efforts and creativity sustain the traditions and identity of the city.
The 2024 HABI Awardees are: Janiran Malumin (tennun weaver), Mussalangka Langisan (tepo weaver), Concepcion Tuballa (seamstress/sastrera), Dulsina Padjaran (magtetenes), Nulkiya Jaang (folk cuisine), Norma Oliveros (folk cuisine), Luis Minda Sakilan (folk cuisine), Cora Escalante (music), Concepcion Quicho (vigil leader/empesadora), and Viniya Padjaran (chanter/magluluguh).
This roster of honorees were awarded by no less than Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs and Halal Promotions Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar and Department of Trade and Industry Zamboanga Provincial Director Grace Aduca.
Since her assumption into office in 2019, Mayor Turabin-Hataman has elevated cultural awareness as a cornerstone of good governance, directing programs and projects that advance the unique identity and heritage of the peoples of the City of Isabela like being one of the first LGUs in Mindanao to have undertaken a cultural-mapping project. (Words by M. Guerrero/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
