The Province of Basilan marked a historic and peaceful transition of leadership on June 30 with the Ceremonial Transition and Inauguration of its newly elected officials, led by Mujiv Hataman, who officially assumed his post as governor. Held at the Basilan Government Center in Sta. Clara, Lamitan City, the event carried the theme: “Upholding the People’s Mandate Through a Peaceful Transition of Leadership.”
On his first day in office, Governor Mujiv Hataman delivered a compelling inaugural address, pledging to lead with transparency, urgency, and compassion. Drawing from his decades of public service as an activist, legislator, and former ARMM Regional Governor, he emphasized that his administration would hit the ground running in its first 100 days to confront poverty, illiteracy, and underemployment—longstanding challenges of the province.
Among the immediate reforms he announced were the signing of a Freedom of Information (FOI) policy, the creation of the Basilan Transparency Board, the launch of “Mujiv Live” as a platform for direct communication with the public, the establishment of a People’s Council to promote participatory governance, and the rollout of listening tours across Basilan to ensure grassroots voices are heard.
Governor Hataman also introduced various pro-people programs. These include free transport for government workers, the deployment of healthcare caravans, the launch of mobile libraries and kitchens, the implementation of livelihood training programs, the establishment of emergency hotlines, and enhanced support for farmers, fisherfolk, and former rebels.
He also unveiled the administration’s long-term development strategy called Basilan HELPS, which focuses on Health, Education and Environment, Livelihood and Economic Development, Public Safety and Security, and Social Cohesion. This vision will be grounded in Pamamahalang ADIL, which stands for Accountability and Transparency, Dialogue and Decisiveness, Integrity, and Love for the People.
In a symbolic move, Governor Hataman ordered the removal of his name and image from all government-funded projects, emphasizing that every public initiative should be known as “Proyekto ng Mamamayan ng Basilan.”
He ended his speech with a call for unity and healing, urging Basileños to rise above divisions and past grievances, and to work together toward building a Basilan that is safe, inclusive, and filled with opportunity—a province every citizen can be proud of.
The event began with an interfaith invocation led by Rev. Msgr. Santiago Agoo Jr., representing Bishop Leo Dalmao of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan, and Dr. Aboulkhair Tarason, Chairperson of the Basilan Ulama Council.
Provincial Human Resource Management Officer and concurrent Provincial Administrator Manny Muarip delivered the welcome remarks, while the Statement of Local Governance Report was presented by Ra-Diyah Akmad, Provincial Director of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government. The program concluded with a symbolic handover and message of acceptance, culminating in the formal assumption of duties by Governor Hataman. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
