Author name: CIO

‘𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗡’, 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗡 𝗡𝗔 | Sa unang araw ng Good Governance o GoGo Isabela Caravan, mahigit sa 100 mga miyembro ng BION at KALIPI ang aktibong lumahok sa nasabing programa, ika-24 ng Hulyo. Ang GoGo Caravan ay bahagi ng inisyatibong naglalayong palakasin ang pagiging bukas sa pamamahala ng Lungsod ng Isabela. Layunin nitong magbigay ng oportunidad sa mga miyembro ng komunidad, na makilahok at maunawaan ang mga proseso at programa ng pamahalaang lokal. Sa pagpapatuloy ng GoGo Isabela Caravan, inaasahang mas mapapalawak pa ang kaalaman at pakikiisa ng mga mamamayan sa mga adhikain ng good governance ng Lungsod ng Isabela.(Sulat ni R. Natividad-Sarael/Kuha ni M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll

The Isabela City Leadership Team, headed by City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, participated in the 3-day Health Leadership and Management Program (HLMP) for Local Chief Executives and City Leadership Teams (CLTs) organized by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) – Philippines from July 24-26. This program is part of their commitment to address the challenges of achieving zero unmet need for family planning methods and attaining the goals of Universal Health Care The program focused on various sessions, including family planning and adolescent sexual reproductive health challenges and opportunities, adaptive challenges and responses, team and team dynamics, co-ownership for collaborative action and stakeholder mapping and analysis, revisiting the TCI high impact interventions, and best practices. The main objective of the three-day activity was to assist participants in developing effective leadership and governance systems to decrease teenage pregnancy rates and transform the city into an adolescent youth-friendly environment. The participants were expected to demonstrate Bridging Leadership Competencies to address Family Planning and Adolescent Sexual reproductive Health issues and inequities in health. Mayor Dadah shared her insight as a longtime advocate of reproductive health rights, where she emphasized the importance of informed choices for our women availing RH programs. She pointed out that “the access to right information, right guidance, right services and the availability of commodities to our women must always be ready in case they make informed decisions for themselves.” The Isabela City Leadership Team included City Health Officer Dr. Mohrein Ismael IV, City Nutrition and Action Officer Jeseilyn Puno, CPDC Gay Palagtiosa, LYDO Levinia Jarejolne, SK Federation President Naila Belleng, Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., Executive Director Miriam Suacito, Maternal and Family Planning Coordinator Dr. Rehab Hayre, Family Planning Coordinator Michelle Lledo, AHDP Coordinator Imelda Cañete, Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Coordinator Bernadita Hontucan, and Shaira Bapora from CSWDO. The Zamboanga City Leadership Team was also present during the program. Other individuals present included MC and Dipolog City – ZFF-TCI CTL LLC Maria Terresa Ferrolino, Program Manager Luzon ZFF-TCI Dr. Alphonse Raphael Guevara, CPD IX Regional Director Jeff Fuentes, City Technical Lead for IDB and Zamboanga City Tony Tumalon, City Technical Lead for Iloilo City and Bacolod City Maria Lourdes Catherine Ferrer, CPD IX Population representative Mary Jane Jocutan, and staff from Zamboanga City Population Unit. (Contributed Photos) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll

In celebration of the 50th Nutrition Month, the City Population Management and Development Office, led by City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO) Jesielyn Puno, organized a “Happy and Jolly” day on July 23 as part of the 120-day Supplemental Feeding Program. A total of 32 children, aged 6 to 59 months, from Barangay Lumbang were invited to participate. The event began with a visit to Kiddielandia Isabela, a play area located at Pasangan Commercial Complex. The children engaged in various playful activities and games, providing them with a fun and interactive environment to explore and enjoy. Following the playtime, the children were treated to a delightful lunch at Jollibee. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by J. Segovia, ISATV / M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll  

In a unified effort to combat malnutrition and reduce food waste, the National Nutrition Council IX, R9 SUN CSO Network (Kids Who Farm), and the City Government of Isabela came together for the regional launch of the R9 Gardenator in line with the 2024 National Nutrition Month Celebration. The event took place at the Coast Guard Sub-Station in Barangay Diki on July 22. The program commenced with a presentation by NO III Elton Pelegrino, who outlined the R9 Gardenator’s potential impact. Emphasizing community engagement, Pelegrino encouraged collective action in addressing local nutritional needs and environmental concerns. NNC IX has aptly named this endeavor “R9 Gardenator: A Drum that Beats a Sound of Hope Against Malnutrition,” reflecting its transformative potential. R9 SUN CSO Network Convenor and Co-Founder of Kids Who Farm, Moncini Hinay, then elaborated on the Food Loop Project. This project seeks to close the loop between food production and waste management through the Gardenator. It promotes efficient food production while converting organic waste into valuable compost for fertilizer, thereby enhancing food security and sustainability in the region. In her message, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman expressed gratitude to Barangay Diki for their hospitality and emphasized the initiative’s role in improving livelihoods and preserving the environment. Her message underscored the project’s significance in fostering a healthier and more resilient community. Meanwhile, founder of Kids Who Farm Raaina Hinay, delivered an inspirational message to the youth, emphasizing the educational aspects of the initiative. She highlighted efforts aimed at empowering local farmers with sustainable farming practices. By addressing food insecurity and promoting nutritional education, the project strives to ensure access to wholesome food for all residents. To kick-start implementation, 61 Gardenators were distributed among residents of Barangay Diki, marking a tangible step towards enhancing local food self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship. Notable attendees included City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, Agricultural Technologist Jonathan Pedillon, BLGU-Diki led by Punong Barangay Nihma Deman, SK Chair Sultan Ramil Mahalail, and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS). (Words by E. Banding/Photos by M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll  

Upang magkaroon ng mas malawak na kaalaman sa mga maaaring solusyon sa problema sa kuryente dulot ng kinasasadlakan ng BASELCO, inorganisa ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Isabela ang isang talakayan, Hulyo 11, kung saan ang naging panauhin ay ang Senior Vice President at External and Government Affairs Officer ng MERALCO, si Atty. Arnel Casanova. Sa unang bahagi ay nag-ulat si BASELCO Technical Officer Engr. Roderick Ignacio sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng nasabing koperatiba. Dito, hinimay ni Engr. Ignacio ang mga datos ukol sa mga nararanasang blackout sa Lungsod ng Isabela at sa buong Basilan at ang pinag-ugatan nito –ang lumang mga kagamitan, linya at poste na kalimitan ay nagagambala ng mga punong nakatanim malapit dito; ang mababang koleksyon ng bayad mula sa mga komokunsumo ng kuryente mula BASELCO; at ang malaking pagkakautang ng koperatiba na siyang naglilimita sa maaaring pamumuhunana sa mga pasilidad nito. Sa kaniyang naging diskurso, inilahad ni Atty. Casanova kung paano nakaaapekto sa local na ekonomiya ng isang bayan o lungsod ang walang kasiguraduhang suplay ng kuryente. Bilang pinakamalaking kompanya ng kuryente sa Pilipinas, dinitalye ni Atty. Casanova kung paano sa pamamagitan ng teknolohiya ay natitiyak nila ang kalidad ng kanilang serbisyo sa 8 milyon nilang konsyumer at makapaghatid ng kalahati ng pangangailangan sa enerhiya ng buong bansa sa ‘di hamak na mas mababang presyo kung ihahambing sa mga koperatiba ng kuryente. Sa isang paghahambing, lumabas na ang nararanasan na blackout ng isang konsyumer ng MERALCO ay katumbas lamang ng isang oras sa buong taon, kung ihahambing sa higit sa 200 oras para sa mga nakalinya ng BASELCO. Diesel din ang tanging pinagkukunan ng enerhiya ng Basilan, na malimit ay tumataas ang presyo sa pandaigdigang merkado hindi kagaya ng solar, geothermal o wind energy na sumusuplay sa MERALCO kaya hindi ito nagiging ‘hostage’ sa isang source. Sa huli, diniin ni Atty. Casanova na “kung saan ang kuryente ay mura at maaasahan, naroon ang kasaganahan.” Hindi naman napigilang mabahala ni Kinatawan ng Tanging Distrito ng Basilan Mujiv Hataman sa paglobo ng utang ng BASELCO. Kahit aminadong ito ay bunga ng nakalipas na mga taon ng pangit na pamamahala, hinamon ng kongresista ang kasalukuyang pamunuan ng BASELCO na maging bukas at tapat sa mga desisyon nito hinggil sa pagpapatakbo ng nasabing koperatiba bilang pananagutan sa lahat ng miyembro nito. Sinigundahan naman ito ni Punong Lungsod Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman na nagpaalala sa BASELCO na magkaroon ng pagkukusa na humingi ng tulong o sumangguni sa mga eksperto upang hindi lumalala ang sitwasyon at humantong sa krisis ang sitwasyon ng pangunahing tagapaghatid ng kuryente sa buong Basilan. Sa pagtatapos, iminungkahi ni Atty. Arnel Casanova na dapat ay makipagnegosasyon ang BASELCO sa mga pinagkakautangan nito at pagtuunan ng pansin ang rehabilitasyon ng mga linya, poste at pasilidad ng koperatiba. Tiwala sa Atty. Casanova na kapag gumanda naman ang serbisyo ng BASELCO ay mas tataas ng kita nito at mababayaran din sa kalaunan ang mga pagkakautang nito. Sinusugan naman ito ni Punong Lungsod Turabin-Hataman na nagsabing ang isyu ng BASELCO ay dapat na magbunsod sa lahat upang “sama-sama na magdesisyon, sama-samang aaksyon.” Ang nasabing forum ay dinaluhan ng mga kinatawan ng iba’t ibang sektor gaya ng sektor ng seguridad, panlipunang sibil, edukasyon, komersyo at iba pa gaya ng Isabela City Peoples’ Council sa pangunguna ni pangulong Pastor Ronald Paulino. Naroon din si Bokal ng Unang Distrito ng Basilan Ahmed Ibn Djaliv Hataman, ang ilang tagapangulo ng pamahalaang lokal gaya nina Tagapamahala ng Lungsod Pedrito Eisma, CHRMO Rosella Luna, CPDC Gay Palagtiosa, CTO Claudio Ramos, CDRRMO Uso Dan Salasim, CSWDO Nor-Aina Asmara, Hepe ng LEDIPO Jaime Juanito Rivera, Asst. CHRMO Mojahed Cosain at EA for IP Affiars and CSO Desk Officer Norhaiya Macusang. Sa kabila ng araw-araw na blackout na wala rin namang pinagbago sa mga nakalipas na taon, tanging sa panunungkulan ni Kongresista Mujiv Hataman nagkaroon ng malalimang atensyon at diskusyon ukol sa BASELCO na humantong pa sa mga pagdining sa Kongreso. Magkaisa ang saloobin nina Kongresista Hataman at Alkalde Turabin-Hataman na kinakailangan ang mga hakbang na ito upang malunasan nang pangmatagalang ang mga problema sa BASELCO at hindi ito tuluyang maging hadlang sa kaunlaran ng Lungsod ng Isabela at ng buong Lalawigan ng Basilan. (Sulat ni M. Guerrero, CIO/Kuha ni KJ Evardo, IsaTV) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) DMO Khristian Kier Alberto and East-West Seed Farmer Extension Manager Girlie Frando met, July 11, with Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman at Isabela City Hall to promote and facilitate investments and enabling policies aimed at enhancing the socio-economic condition of Mindanao. The agency, through its Area Management Office of Western Mindanao, aims to advance its objectives via the BIMP-EAGA – Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (BKCF) project of East-West Seed titled “Sustainable Intensification through Vegetables Intercropping in Perennial Crops Farming Systems in Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao Island, Philippines.” The project, which was MinDA’s commitment during the Zamboanga Peninsula Agri-Industrial Summit held in September 2023, aligns with Isabela City’s vision for sustainable and secure food production and supply. Present at the meeting were MinDA DMO Mark Kevin Rustique, East-West Seed, Assistant Manager for Field Operations Cathelyn Patlin, Senior Knowledge Transfer Specialist Aila Irizsa Ibañez and Janssen Banaña. Also present were LEDIPO Chief Jaime Juanito Rivera, CPDC Gay Palagtiosa, CGSO Eugene Strong and personnel from the City Agriculture Office. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), led by Local Affairs Coordinating and Monitoring Services (LACMS) Monitoring Division Chief Perigine Cayadong, collaborated with the City Government of Isabela under Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman to conduct an orientation seminar, July 10, on the Magna Carta of the Poor (MCP) – Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP). City Administrator Pedrito Eisma representing Mayor Turabin-Hataman emphasized the importance of participants being comprehensively oriented and gaining in-depth knowledge of the Magna Carta of the Poor-Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (MCP-LPRAP). The orientation seminar aims to present and discuss the salient features of RA 11291 or the MCP and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), present the local poverty situation, discuss the LPRAP formulation process and procedures, and capture field-level observations and learnings and, agree on ways forward for the MCP-LPRAP-related activities. Republic Act 11291, or the Magna Carta of the Poor, directs the government to “establish a system of progressive realization or implementation to provide the requirements, conditions, and opportunities for the full enjoyment or realization” of the five (5) fundamental rights of the poor: a) right to adequate food; b) right to decent work; c) right to relevant and quality education; d) right to adequate housing; and e) right to the highest attainable standard of health. Present were STO I Ma. Monina Hazel Garcia, STO I Ronaldo Crescini, TO V Anne Gabrielle Dizon and TO V Arnold Balbuena from NAPC-LACMS. Also present were DILG FOU CLGOO Arnel Alvarez and LGOO Aila Pagayonan, IPMR Mary May Julhari, SK Federation President Naila Belleng, Isabela City Peoples’ Council led by President Pastor Ronald Paulino, Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc Executive Director Miriam Suacito, EPS Ruby Ann Yu from DepEd SDO-Isabela City, Executive Assistant for IP Affairs and CSO Desk Officer Norhaya Macusang, CPDC Gay Palagtiosa, CSWDO Nor Aina Asmara and representatives from Public Employment and Service Office and City Engineering Office. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll

The founder and creative director of fashion brand Filip+Inna, Len Cabili, along with Jerryl Reyes, Project Manager of The Asia Foundation, and Nellie Luna, Assistant Program Officer, paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman at Isabela City Hall, July 9. The discussion centered on organizing a visit to the Yakan tennun weavers of Basilan to explore opportunities for collaboration and support. The visit aims to strengthen cultural preservation efforts while enhancing socio-economic opportunities for the local community. Filip + Inna is a social enterprise that partners with artisans from indigenous groups to create unique clothing and accessories. At present, it is engaged in collaborations with 26 cultural and traditional communities around the Philippines and is at the forefront of cultural sustainability in fashion. (Words by E. Banding/Photos by M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll

With Congressional Funding from the Office of Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan Lone District Representative Mujiv Hataman and coursed through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, 1,518 beneficiaries from the barangays of Binuangan, Begang, Busay, Seaside, Eastside, Timpul, Tabiawan, and La Piedad received relief assistance, July 9. The payout, amounting to one thousand pesos per person, was administered by personnel from DSWD-AICSP and the recipients were identified through an assessment conducted by the City Social Welfare and Development Office. In her message, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, expressed gratitude for the timely aid, emphasizing its importance in alleviating the hardships faced by the community members. Aside from the distribution of funds, a brief orientation on Pasada Good Governance was initiated. Just recently, Mayor Turabin-Hataman officially launched LGU-Isabela City’s latest program dubbed as GoGo Isabela or Good Governance Isabela Caravan which aims to empower Isabeleños to demand good governance from its local leaders, to attain its goal of a happy and dignified life for all. Also present during the activity were City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, SWO/SWADT leader Aisyl Sagoso-Atal, and staff from CSWDO. (Words by E. Banding/Photos by M. Santos, CIO) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll

Representing Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, SAO Robert Arseña received on June 29, a plaque of appreciation from Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio during the 2024 OVP Pasidungog of the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines held in Cebu City. The City Government of Isabela was recognized for its “invaluable partnership with the Office of the Vice President in nation-building and in delivering efficient, accessible, and responsive public service for the good of all Filipinos.” The 2024 OVP Pasidungog is an “annual event of [the] OVP in appreciation and [in] honor [of] exemplary partners individuals and organizations for their dedication and notable contributions towards OVP’s mission and vision in public service.” In 2023, three hospitals in Isabela City each received P500,000 to be utilized by indigent patients availing of medical assistance from the OVP which can include P20,000 for hospital coverage, P5,000 for burial assistance and P10,000 for medicines. The OVP also distributed 1,000 food packs to beneficiaries belonging to different sectors including street vendors, street families, farmers and fisherfolk in November, including 700 PagbaBAGo bags to Grades 1-4 learners of Kaum Purnah Elementary School and Badjao Floating Integrated School. On April 15 this year, through the OVP Gift-Giving Eidiyah, 1,000 food packs were also distributed fish vendors and market stall owners at Pasangan Commercial Complex, hawkers at JW Strong Boulevard, and 4Ps beneficiaries from Barangay Balatanay. (Photos Courtesy of SAO Arseña) #HAPIsabela #AHappyAndDignifiedLifeforAll LINK: https://www.facebook.com/isabelacity.gov/posts/pfbid0MNiLzijVGt92a9DDuu5baiGtUCjrSiX6P3T5URokwv5f6cZ3dsBKpoEJq2pGu9NCl?__cft__[0]=AZVjQclQgFG-kvG2jP0oDBlLkPX5MdNKQEXca-CrdGD9FxUo0sF8UQnq4Vgho2AO0QFK02EEzTKd5nCXrB5vE2Kd6cV_d9N-By5osGjUuzHsCu9a4xmDskZ4OfoEjgWTJQdZL1uS3mpReVJOplzdMfaG1yQ2q-W87hCTlls-MTWHo1WPXHroKVCRVCx0Fgwj4-7glKr2bbRm0M2sI8LtNXVX&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R