Author name: CIO

In recognition of their unwavering dedication to grassroots public service, the City Government of Isabela, through the City Information Office (CIO), led the distribution of the first-quarter communication allowance and incentives to 30 Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) on Monday, May 25, at the City Hall Lobby. ​The distribution, personally spearheaded by City Information Officer Mendry-Ann Lim, highlights the local government’s commitment to empowering community-level communicators who serve as vital links in disseminating accurate, timely, and relevant information to the constituents. ​Prior to the distribution, CIO Lim conducted a brief orientation on modern documentation techniques to support the BIOs in their ongoing field tasks. As they have deep familiarity with their respective jurisdictions, the BIOs are taught to use GPS and Geo-Tag Camera applications to systematically capture, compile, and locate ongoing and completed city projects and infrastructure. This documentation process serves as a crucial component of the city’s transition to an upgraded digital platform. With 45 barangays across Isabela City, the Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) plays a key and vital role in this digital initiative by accurately identifying and mapping local infrastructure developments right from the ground. ​To further capacitate the BIOs in their duties, each officer received a quarterly communication allowance of ₱3,000, supplemented by a ₱1,500 cash incentive, bringing the total take-home amount to ₱4,500. ​This financial support is aimed at easing the logistical challenges faced by BIOs as they navigate their respective barangays to keep the public informed, especially in an era where rapid and credible information is paramount to the community. ​With the newly distributed allowances, the LGU-Isabela through the City Information Office continues to prioritize the strengthening of its information network, recognizing that an informed citizenry is a crucial partner in sustainable urban development. #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeForAll #GoodGovernanceWorks

The Committee on Rules, Resolutions and Ordinances of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, chaired by Councilor James Abner Rodriguez, conducted a Public Hearing on May 25 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall. The public hearing aimed to gather comments, recommendations, and insights from stakeholders and the general public regarding three proposed ordinances intended to strengthen public order, safety, and community welfare within the territorial jurisdiction of Isabela City. Among the proposed measures discussed during the hearing was the Isabela City Quiet Hours and Sound Regulation Ordinance, which seeks to regulate the use of videoke machines, karaoke systems, and other amplified audio devices within the city, including the imposition of penalties for violations. Also presented was the Isabela City Decent Attire Ordinance, an ordinance prohibiting the act of being topless or half-naked in public places within the territorial jurisdiction of Isabela City, with corresponding penalties for violations. In addition, the Committee discussed the Isabela City Youth Protection and Curfew Ordinance of 2026, which aims to institute curfew hours for minors within the territorial jurisdiction of Isabela City and prescribe penalties for violations. Representatives from various sectors, barangay officials, concerned citizens, and other stakeholders attended the public hearing and shared their respective inputs and recommendations on the proposed measures

The City Government of Isabela successfully conducted the Roundtable Policy Audit and Discussion on Circular Economy Transition, May 20–21. The activity was attended by LGU Advisor Roland Pereyra, LCEAT members including City Planning and Development Coordinator Gay Palagtiosa, City Environment and Natural Resources Management Officer Albino Orbecido, City Local Youth Development Officer Levinia Jarejolne and representative from City Tourism Office, among others. Conducted in coordination with the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under Specific Objective 2 on Green Local Government Units, the roundtable aimed to strengthen the city’s transition toward a circular economy. Participants reviewed existing policies, identified opportunities for improvement, and aligned local programs with the approved Circular Economy Work Plan and priority investments endorsed by the Solid Waste Management Board. (Words by SJ Asakil/Contributed Photos) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll #GoodGovernanceWorks

The Joint City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) and City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) convened an urgent 2nd Quarter Meeting for CY 2026 on May 21, following the recent shooting incidents in Isabela City. The meeting was called by City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman to strengthen security measures and intensify peace and order efforts in the city. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Turabin-Hataman together with Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, with Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar Ajibon also in attendance. Present during the meeting were local government officials, law enforcement agencies, barangay officials, and other peace and order stakeholders. One of the key discussions focused on the proposed conversion of the Isabela City Police Station (ICPS) into a full-fledged Isabela City Police Office (ICPO). Governor Hataman shared that the proposal had also been raised during the joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), emphasizing that the upgrade would increase police personnel and improve operational capacity in addressing criminality and security concerns in the city. The Governor also proposed the creation of a dedicated task force for Isabela City to strengthen law enforcement coordination and intensify security operations. He likewise recommended the formulation of a comprehensive security roadmap to guide the city’s long-term peace and order initiatives. Additional measures discussed included the installation of more high-resolution CCTV cameras in strategic areas and the stricter implementation of the city’s CCTV ordinance. The council also proposed requiring establishments applying for building permits and business permit renewals to install high-resolution CCTV systems as part of compliance requirements. Governor Hataman further urged barangays and HAPIFORCE members to reassess and strengthen existing security measures, undergo retraining in information gathering, and reactivate community-based intelligence coordination to support police operations. Authorities also identified the need for strategic deployment areas that would complement the mobility of Special Action Force (SAF) units. Mayor Turabin-Hataman assured the council that the city government remains fully committed to addressing criminality and protecting residents, noting that the city’s existing CCTV systems are already equipped with high-resolution capabilities. “Hindi natin hinahayaan ito. We are with the families of the victims, and we will do everything we can,” Mayor Turabin-Hataman said. Meanwhile, Councilor James Abner Rodriguez reiterated the call for the conversion of ICPS into an ICPO, stressing the need for stronger action and benchmarking efforts after previous attempts were denied. He also requested the submission of a comprehensive localized anti-criminality action plan for Isabela City. In addition, Councilor Rodriguez raised a proposed resolution seeking the enactment of an ordinance regulating the use of masks, caps, hoodies, and closed-face helmets in certain public situations to assist authorities in crime prevention and suspect identification. The council concluded the meeting with a collective commitment to strengthen security coordination, improve surveillance systems, and enhance community-based peace and order efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Isabeleños. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll #GoodGovernanceWorks

In a landmark move to promote inclusive governance and sustainable community development, the City Government of Isabela, represented by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, and The Lab, represented by Managing Director Vicente Roxas, formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during The Lab’s visit on May 20 at the Basilan Provincial Capitol, Sta. Clara, Lamitan City. The event was also attended by Governor Mujiv Hataman, highlighting the collaborative effort between the city and provincial governments. Also present were 1st District Board Member Atty. Faigdar Jaafar, 2nd District Board Member Dr. Nur Khan Istarul, LEDIPO Chief Jaime Juanito Rivera, as well as KM Magtubo, Nisha Alicer, ML Cunanan, and Inez Quimzon from The Lab. During the engagement, The Lab conducted a series of workshops, site visits, interviews, and consultations using the Participatory, Emancipatory Action Research (PEAR) methodology, where they shared their insights and development initiatives. These activities actively engaged local stakeholders in the installation of the Community OS and strengthened collaboration with members of the Technical Working Group. The team also validated previously gathered data for the Social Accounting Matrix and identified potential locations for Community Management Centers. New field researchers and project leads were introduced to partner offices and community representatives, ensuring continuity and alignment in project implementation. During the presentation, Dru Baltazar shared a proposed system for the which envisioned to serve as a centralized public address and communication platform designed to strengthen the city government’s connection with its constituents. The system will feature an automated text and message blast capability, enabling the local government to efficiently disseminate important announcements, emergency advisories, program updates, and other public information across all barangays in real time. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll #GoodGovernanceWorks

Representatives from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) met with Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman and Governor Mujiv Hataman on May 20 to discuss the upcoming installation of a Sea Level Monitoring Station in Isabela City. The PHIVOLCS delegation, led by Supervising Science Research Specialist Arnaldo Melosantos and accompanied by Science Research Analyst Christian Eric Almira and Science Research Assistant Gemel Dulay, was joined by City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Uso Dan Salasim and Planning and Development Officer III Nazis Maulod. The meeting highlighted the collaborative effort between national and local agencies in enhancing disaster preparedness. PHIVOLCS expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support provided by city officials and emphasized the importance of local partnership in disaster risk reduction. The proposed monitoring station is intended to track sea level changes, detect potential tsunamis, and provide timely alerts to local communities, ensuring improved readiness in case of a possible tsunami event. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeForAll #GoodGovernanceWorks

In a landmark move to promote inclusive governance and sustainable community development, the City Government of Isabela, represented by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, and The Lab, represented by Managing Director Vicente Roxas, formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during The Lab’s visit on May 20 at the Basilan Provincial Capitol, Sta. Clara, Lamitan City. The event was also attended by Governor Mujiv Hataman, highlighting the collaborative effort between the city and provincial governments. Also present were 1st District Board Member Atty. Faigdar Jaafar, 2nd District Board Member Dr. Nur Khan Istarul, LEDIPO Chief Jaime Juanito Rivera, as well as KM Magtubo, Nisha Alicer, ML Cunanan, and Inez Quimzon from The Lab. During the engagement, The Lab conducted a series of workshops, site visits, interviews, and consultations using the Participatory, Emancipatory Action Research (PEAR) methodology, where they shared their insights and development initiatives. These activities actively engaged local stakeholders in the installation of the Community OS and strengthened collaboration with members of the Technical Working Group. The team also validated previously gathered data for the Social Accounting Matrix and identified potential locations for Community Management Centers. New field researchers and project leads were introduced to partner offices and community representatives, ensuring continuity and alignment in project implementation. During the presentation, Dru Baltazar shared a proposed system for the which envisioned to serve as a centralized public address and communication platform designed to strengthen the city government’s connection with its constituents. The system will feature an automated text and message blast capability, enabling the local government to efficiently disseminate important announcements, emergency advisories, program updates, and other public information across all barangays in real time. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll #GoodGovernanceWorks

The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman through its City Human Resource Management Office in collaboration with the City Population Management and Development Office, facilitated the Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace orientation, May 18. The activity brought together representatives from all city government offices and OCM divisions, reinforcing the city’s commitment to promoting maternal and child health, and fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. Each office was directed to send two representatives to ensure wider awareness and effective implementation of mother-baby friendly policies. During the orientation, participants were provided with essential information on the city’s workplace policies supporting breastfeeding employees and other maternal care initiatives. The program also highlighted strategies to create a safe, inclusive, and health-supportive work environment, aligning with the city’s continuing efforts to strengthen employee welfare and family-friendly practices. The orientation is part of the City Government’s ongoing initiatives to ensure that public service remains responsive, compassionate, and attuned to the needs of its workforce. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll #GoodGovernanceWorks

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) ACCESS TB Project in coordination with the City Health Office of Isabela de Basilan through the National Tuberculosis Control Program, successfully conducted the Contact Investigation and Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (CI-TPT) Workshop on May 18, 2026 at Joveth’s Restaurant, Sunrise, Isabela City, Basilan. The workshop gathered physicians, nurses and midwives who are also TB program implementers from the 4 Rural Health Units to strengthen strategies on contact investigation and tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT). The activity featured discussions on TPT context setting, simplified BC-DSTB contact tracing, and assessment of challenges and resource needs in TB program implementation. Dr. Reynalyn P. Elshazly, the DOH-ZPCHD Infectious Disease Cluster Head discussed on the TB Preventive Treatment Policies and presented the TPT Accomplishments of Zamboanga Peninsula. Mr. JR Asnawi, PBSP TB Technical Specialist facilitated the lecture on simplified BC-DSTB context tracing and TPT. Participants also engaged in group presentations, strategy consolidation, and presentation of adaptive strategies aimed at improving TB case detection and preventive treatment services in the community. The activity concluded with an open forum that encouraged collaboration and sharing of insights among participants. PBSP Program Officer, Mr. CJ Hontiveros, consolidated all the outputs and had it simplified for our ways forward in achieving the desired outcomes. The workshop highlighted the commitment of the City Health Office and partner organizations in enhancing TB prevention and control efforts toward a healthier and TB-free community. #EndTBNow #HealthyParaHappy

In line with the observance of Open Government Week, the City Information Office (CIO), headed by Mendry-Ann Lim, through the IsaTV Channel, facilitated and conducted the regular Monday flag-raising ceremony of the City Government of Isabela on May 18 at the City Hall grounds. The activity brought together city officials, department and division heads, and employees from various local government offices, led by City Administrator Pedrito Eisma. The ceremony served as a venue for reinforcing unity, discipline, and commitment to public service among government personnel, while also highlighting the principles of transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement promoted during Open Government Week. As part of the program, IsaTV staff conducted a brief Q&A segment featuring questions about the platform to help raise awareness of its programs and services. Participants who answered correctly received IsaTV merchandise as tokens. The initiative further underscored the city’s efforts to strengthen public communication and foster an informed and engaged community. #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll #GoodGovernanceWorks