City Government of Isabela de Basilan

07/09/2026

𝗟𝗚𝗨 𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗔 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗞𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 | Officials and employees of the Local Government Unit of Isabela gathered at the City Hall Grounds on September 7, for the regular Monday Flag-Raising Ceremony, which also marked the opening of Tourism Month and Creative Month in the city.

Led by the City Tourism Office headed by CTO Claudio Ramos II, the celebration featured a presentation by the Pasangan Cultural Dance Troupe, together with the city’s tourism personnel and staff, showcasing Isabela City’s rich cultural heritage and creative traditions. The activity also featured games and trivia, which engaged employees in a fun and interactive celebration. Winners of the various activities were awarded by City Administrator Pedrito Eisma along with CTO Ramos II.

Meanwhile, in line with the 2026 Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, the City Human Resource Management Office (CHRMO), led by HRMO Rosella Luna, facilitated a Commitment Wall Signing, where employees pledged to uphold the values of exemplary, honest, and efficient public service.

The celebration brought together city employees in promoting culture, tourism, creativity, and camaraderie, while reaffirming their commitment to serving the people of Isabela City.

05/09/2026

𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗔 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗜 𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗔 𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗬 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 | Mula 12.7% noong 2021, naging 10% noong 2023, at bumaba pa sa 3.2% noong 2025.

Ayon sa datos ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), patuloy ang pagbaba ng poverty incidence among families sa Isabela City:

2021 — 12.7%
2023 — 10.0%
2025 — 3.2%

Ibig sabihin, sa loob lamang ng apat na taon, bumaba ng 9.5 percentage points ang poverty incidence ng mga pamilya sa lungsod—katumbas ng halos 75% na pagbaba kumpara sa 2021.

Pero ano ang ibig sabihin nito sa ordinaryong pamilya? Ang poverty incidence ay hindi lamang numero. Ipinapakita nito kung gaano karaming pamilya ang nasa ilalim ng itinakdang poverty threshold.

Mas kapansin-pansin ang resulta dahil habang tumataas ang halaga ng kailangan para matugunan ang pangunahing pangangailangan, patuloy namang bumababa ang poverty incidence sa Isabela City.

Noong 2021, ang annual per capita poverty threshold ay P23,925. Pagsapit ng 2025, naging P32,634 na ito. Sa madaling salita, mas mataas na ang halagang ginagamit ng PSA bilang batayan ng minimum na pangangailangan, ngunit mas kaunti naman ang mga pamilyang naitala na nasa kahirapan.

Kumusta naman ang Isabela City kumpara sa rehiyon at buong bansa?

Noong 2025:

Pilipinas — 6.4%
Zamboanga Peninsula — 9.8%
Isabela City — 3.2%

Ibig sabihin, mas mababa ang poverty incidence ng Isabela City kaysa sa regional at national figures. Ito ay isang mahalagang indikasyon ng pagbuti ng kalagayang pangkabuhayan ng ating mga pamilya at ng patuloy na pag-usad ng ekonomiya ng lungsod.

Hindi ibig sabihin nito na wala nang mahihirap sa Isabela City. May mga pamilyang nangangailangan pa rin ng suporta, at hindi dapat makalimutan ang mga nasa laylayan. Sa halip, ang datos na ito ay nagsisilbing hamon at inspirasyon: ipagpatuloy ang mga programang lumilikha ng trabaho at kabuhayan, nagpapalakas sa negosyo, nagpapalawak ng oportunidad, at nagbibigay ng serbisyong direktang nakatutulong sa pamilya.

Mula 12.7% tungo sa 3.2%. Malaking hakbang ito. At ang tunay na sukatan ng pag-unlad ay kapag ang pag-unlad ng lungsod ay nararamdaman sa hapag-kainan, kabuhayan, trabaho, negosyo at kinabukasan ng bawat pamilyang Isabeleño.

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

04/09/2026

Join the fun and complete the HAPIsabela Adventure Bucket List Challenge!

Contact Isabela City Tourism!

‎HAPIsabela! Mabuhay!
‎
‎Ready to explore, snap, and share your HAPIsabela moments? Complete the bucket list, post your best shots, and get a chance to win exciting prizes!
‎
‎This competition is open to all Isabeleños, except LGU Isabela de Basilan employees.
‎
‎HOW TO JOIN?
‎
‎STEP 1 — CHECK IT OFF!
‎Check the bucket list and see which HAPIsabela Wonders you’ve already experienced
‎
‎STEP 2 — SHOW US THE PROOF!
‎Upload your original photos showing that you’ve completed the bucket-list activities.
‎
‎STEP 3 — CAPTION IT!
‎Write your most creative, witty, and engaging caption about your HAPIsabela adventure.
‎
‎STEP 4 — Use the official hashtags:
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎STEP 5 — MAKE IT PUBLIC!
‎Make sure your post is set to PUBLIC so our team can view and verify your entry.
‎
‎This competition will run until September 25, 2026. The five (5) compelling post with complete challenge will be declared winners.
Winners will bring home:
- ₱1,500.00
- a 5 kg sack of rice,
- a Tourism mug + a Sakayan Magazine
‎
‎This is part of the 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 and 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 celebration in the city of Isabela de Basilan brought to you by the Local Government Unit of Isabela de Basilan under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman through the City Tourism Office.
‎
‎What are you waiting for?! Start your adventure, complete the bucket list, and show us your HAPIsabela moments!
‎
‎Join now!
‎
‎
‎

04/09/2026

'𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗬𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗜𝗗' 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗡, 𝗦𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬'𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 | Isabela City welcomed a meaningful partnership advancing financial literacy and lifelong learning through the Estudyantipid School Caravan – Provincial Launch and Knowledge Channel TV Turnover, under FinEd Unboxed, an initiative of the BPI Foundation and Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc., September 3.

As part of the Knowledge Channel TV turnover, Basilan National High School and Isabela City National High School were among the schools awarded with Knowledge Channel TV units, providing their learners and teachers with another valuable resource to support teaching and learning.

As special guest, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, welcomed the partnership and expressed her appreciation to the BPI Foundation and Knowledge Channel Foundation for supporting initiatives that complement the city’s continuing efforts to make education and financial literacy more accessible to its people.

In her message, Mayor Dadah shared that Knowledge Channel was already considered a standard and benchmark by the city when Teledukasyon was conceptualized during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when traditional classroom learning was disrupted, the city looked for ways to ensure that learning would continue and that students would still have access to quality educational content.

This experience laid the foundation for the city’s continuing efforts to bring learning beyond the classroom through initiatives such as Teledukasyon, ISATV, and the Mobile Library, providing learners with additional avenues to access educational materials, information, and learning opportunities.

Mayor Dadah also shared WAISabeleño, the city’s financial literacy program which has reached around 9,000 individuals, equipping residents with practical knowledge and skills in managing their finances, making informed financial decisions, and developing responsible financial habits.

These initiatives reflect a shared vision with the BPI Foundation and Knowledge Channel Foundation: that education should be accessible, relevant, and responsive to the changing needs of learners and communities. The Estudyantipid partnership builds on this shared commitment by bringing financial education closer to young people and helping them develop skills that they can apply in everyday life.

The event was attended by key education, government, and development partners, including Edric Calma, Vice President of KCFI; Christian Gaite, Learning Solutions Head of KCFI; Mary Catherine Santamaria, BPI Foundation Director/Trustee; Meryl Adiel Hernandez, Vice President and Head of Institutional Brand and Corporate Relations of BPI and Officer-in-Charge of BPI Foundation; Manolo Roberto Nava, Senior Program Manager for the Financial Education and Arts Management Program; Dr. Gregorio Cyrus R. Elejorde, DepEd IX Assistant Regional Director; Maria Virginia Eala, Chief Human Resources Officer of BPI; Dr. Ma. Laarni Villanueva, OIC Schools Division Superintendent of Isabela City; MP Baeling Mantawil, BARMM Minister of Science and Technology; DepEd IX Information Officer Dahlia Paragas and Isabela City Information Officer Mendry-Ann Lim.

The partnership further strengthens Isabela City’s commitment to connecting education, technology, and financial literacy—equipping learners and communities with knowledge and life skills that can help them make better choices and build a more secure future. (Words and Photos by M. LIM, CIO)

03/09/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Outstanding individuals and families were honored during the Huwarang Pamilya Awards 2026 and culminating of Family Planning Month, September 2, organized by the City Govermment of Isabela through the City Population Management and Development Office.

This year's observance of the National Family Planning Month carries the theme "Panalo ang Pamilyang Planado! Usap tayo sa Family Planning."

(With Photos by KC Galos, CIO)

03/09/2026

𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗛𝗨𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬𝗔 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, 𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗛 | The City Government of Isabela, through the City Population Management and Development Office led by CNAO/CPMDO Jesielyn Puno, culminated this year’s Family Planning Month celebration with the Huwarang Pamilya 2026 Awarding and Recognition Ceremony on September 2 at the Querexeta Formation Center.

Anchored on the theme, “Panalo ang Pamilyang Planado! Usap Tayo sa Family Planning,” the celebration underscored a simple but important message: when families are informed and empowered to make responsible decisions, they are better equipped to build a healthier and more secure future.

The program opened with welcome remarks from Councilor Asan Al-Ameen Camlian, chair of the SP Committee on Health, Nutrition and Sanitation, followed by an audiovisual presentation highlighting the city’s Family Planning Month activities and accomplishments.

Dr. Rolando Borja, Assistant Regional Director of CPD IX, also delivered a message of support, recognizing the importance of sustained collaboration among government, communities, families, and other stakeholders in advancing responsible family planning.

A key part of the ceremony was the recognition of school-based teen centers and barangays implementing the Registry of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants, acknowledging their efforts in ensuring that young people and families have access to appropriate information, services, and support.

The celebration also placed families at the center through the Search for Huwarang Pamilya 2026. Finalists and participating families were recognized for demonstrating positive family values, responsible decision-making, and practices that contribute to stronger and more empowered households.

The ceremony culminated in the presentation of the Huwarang Pamilya 2026 award, honoring a family that exemplifies the values promoted by the Family Planning Month celebration.

Winners of the Family Planning Month trivia also received prizes through a raffle draw, while partners, stakeholders, and participants were recognized with certificates of appreciation for their valuable contributions to the successful conduct of the month-long celebration.

Through the CPMDO and its partners, the City Government of Isabela continues to strengthen programs that empower individuals and families to make informed choices and plan for the future they want for their children and their communities. (Words by SJ Asakil, CIO/Photos by J. Segovia, IsaTV)

03/09/2026

𝗟𝗚𝗨 𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗬𝗘𝗘𝗦 𝗚𝗢 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗟 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗛 | As part of the Civil Service Month celebration, 25 employees from the City Government of Isabela joined hands with barangay officials and residents for a Mangrove Tree Growing and Coastal Clean-Up Activity on September 3 at the Brgy. Eastside Coastal Area.

The activity brought together city government employees led by City Human Resource Management Officer Rose Luna and barangay officials headed by Punong Barangay Shirley Diaz, working side by side to nurture mangroves and help keep the coastal area clean.

Beyond planting trees and collecting waste, the activity reflects the spirit of public service—working together, caring for our environment, and taking collective responsibility for the communities we serve. (Contributed Report/Photos by J. Segovia, IsaTV)

03/09/2026

𝗕𝗜𝗢𝘀 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗨𝗣 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗜 𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗧 𝟯𝗥𝗗 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗟𝗬 | The City Information Office, in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Basilan, brought together the city’s Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) for the 3rd Quarter BION (Barangay Information Officers Network) Assembly and CLASS (Continuous Learning Acquisition and Approach Skills) Workshop, September 3.

This quarter’s gathering went beyond routine updates. It focused on two skills increasingly important in government information work today: using Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly and telling stories effectively through short-form video and reels.

PIA Information Center Manager Nilda Delos Reyes opened the assembly with an update on the PBBM Scholarship Program and a timely reminder on the role of BIOs in ensuring that accurate and reliable information reaches every community. She also recognized Isabela City as a trailblazer in barangay-level information work.

For the first CLASS session, Information Officer III and CLASS Manager Marion Guerrero introduced the BIOs to the responsible use of AI in public information and government communications.

The discussion emphasized using AI for the common good while remaining mindful of privacy, cultural sensitivity, fairness, transparency, and safety. Most importantly, human judgment must remain at the center of the process.

The second session shifted from responsible technology use to digital storytelling, focusing on Balitang HAPIsabela and reels making. IsaTV reels makers Erfan Abdalil and Christopher Digon led the hands-on discussion.

Abdalil started with the fundamentals—what makes a reel effective, why it matters in government information work, and how to plan content through a shot list and editing workflow. One message stood out: good storytelling is not defined by the price or brand of the camera or phone, but by how effectively the story is captured and edited.

Digon then discussed why Balitang HAPIsabela has embraced reels as a way of reaching today’s audiences. With people increasingly drawn to shorter, more engaging content, reels provide an effective way to present city programs, activities, and public information in a format that is easier to watch, understand, and share.

The BIOs were also introduced to the basics of shooting news footage and editing, with both speakers showcasing reels they had produced for the City Government of Isabela and IsaTV pages—turning the lessons into real and relatable examples.

The assembly also covered key BION matters, including Barangay Brochure submissions, preparations for the upcoming Information Caravan, task assignments, and year-end plans and recommendations.

More than a quarterly meeting, the BION Assembly is an investment in the people who help bring government closer to the barangays.

As information channels continue to evolve, Isabela City’s BIOs are learning to evolve with them—using technology responsibly, sharpening their storytelling skills, and making public information more accessible, relevant, and engaging for the communities they serve.

Led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, the City Government of Isabela continues to strengthen BION as an important link between the City Government and the barangays—ensuring that government programs, services, and vital public information reach communities in a timely, accurate, and accessible manner.

Established in 2020, BION was created to strengthen barangay-level information dissemination and develop a network of trained information officers who can help bridge the information gap between the government and the people. Since then, the network has evolved into a platform for learning, coordination, and community storytelling. (Words by S. Angging, CIO/Photos by K. Digon, IsaTV)

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗬𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗡-𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗔𝗞 𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗦, 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗨𝗠 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 | Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman welcomed, September 2, the Pencak Silat athletes of Isabela City during a courtesy visit and send-off as they prepare to join the National Team and represent the country in upcoming competitions.

The athletes—Sitti Aiza Aidala, Kathlene Mei Tuga, Michelle Joy Balucos, and Palaro qualifier Shahadi Hasan—earned recognition for their outstanding performances at the Palarong Pambansa. Their achievements include medals in Tanding and Regu events, demonstrating their skill, discipline, and dedication to the sport. Also present were Arnel Hajan and Coach Latifah Emam, who have supported and guided the athletes throughout their sporting journey.

Mayor Hataman congratulated the athletes and expressed the City Government’s continued support as they take on the greater challenge of representing the Philippines. Their achievements bring pride to Isabela City and inspire aspiring young athletes in the community.

Meanwhile, Mayor Turabin-Hataman also met with Architect Kristelaine Valerie Lustria and City Tourism Officer Claudio Ramos II for an update on the ongoing plans and developments for the city museum, further highlighting the City Government’s efforts to preserve and promote Isabela City’s history and cultural heritage. (With Photos by M. Santos, CIO)