The Local School Board (LSB) of Isabela City, chaired by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, convened on July 21, to discuss key updates and future directions in the city’s educational development—including preparations to host the 2026 Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet.
The meeting was attended by the newly installed Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ma. Laarni Villanueva, who was formally introduced to the board. In her remarks, Dr. Villanueva affirmed her strong commitment to support the city’s education initiatives and to work closely with the Local Government Unit in delivering responsive, inclusive, and quality education.
Among the agenda highlights was the proposal to allocate budget in preparation for the 2026 ZPRAA Meet, which includes plans for the construction of a swimming pool—a major infrastructure investment to boost the city’s hosting capability and athletic facilities.
The meeting also tackled the Strategic Foresight SWABE and the directional plans of DepEd-Isabela City, as well as the reconstitution of LSB members, status updates on 2025 SEF-funded programs and infrastructure projects, and preparations for the Indigenous Peoples Education Summit, presented by Public School District Supervisor Murada Danial.
Further discussions covered the proposed 2026 SEF Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs), and the 2025 Teachers’ Day Celebration, which will spotlight the Pasangan Awards to honor educators who have shown outstanding dedication to the profession. Updates on the upcoming 2025 Isabela City Division Athletic Association Meet were also presented.
Vice Chairperson on the Committee on Education and City Councilor Asan Al-Ameen Camlian, along with Basilan District 1 Board Member Ahmed Ibn Djaliv Hataman, were also in attendance. Councilor Camlian expressed his commitment to advancing educational policies at the city level, while BM Hataman introduced his education support initiative, “ProyekTulong.”
Mayor Turabin-Hataman reiterated the city’s full support for strengthening educational programs and expressed her optimism for the successful hosting of ZPRAA 2026—emphasizing the role of education, sports, and collaboration in building a progressive and united Isabela City. (Words by J. Atilano/Photos by K. Somcio, IsaTV)
