The City Government of Isabela, under the vibrant leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (CPDAO), held the 2025 Persons with Disability Summit on July 24 at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center in Barangay Binuangan. The event reaffirms the City’s commitment to its priority agenda: “Care for Vulnerable Members of Society.”
In her message, Mayor Turabin-Hataman expressed her gratitude to the organizers, partners, and participants for making the event meaningful. She shared a message of hope and assurance to the PWD community, emphasizing the city’s dedication to upholding equality and inclusivity. “Sa araw-araw na nakikita niyo po kami, sana alam niyo na mayroon kayong matatakbuhan at malalapitan. Sana po mas gumanda pa ang ating programa. Patuloy po kaming magtatrabaho para mas lumaki pa ang kita ng Isabela at para mas lalaki pa ang suporta para sa inyo,” she said.
Following the mayor’s message, 1st District Board Member Ahmed Djaliv Hataman addressed the crowd and urged the public to view persons with disabilities not through the lens of pity but of potential. “I think it’s time to see them in a different angle, beyond their inabilities,” he stated.
Councilor Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul, Chairperson of the Committee on Social Services, also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Local Chief Executive and the concerned offices of the LGU for their sustained efforts in uplifting vulnerable sectors. She emphasized how such initiatives reflect the city’s visionary leadership and encouraged continued collaboration among stakeholders to further empower the PWD community.
The summit featured a wide array of services and recreational activities for PWD participants, including a “PWD Got Talent” show, free haircuts, a magic show, face painting, photo booth, medical assistance, PSA registration, pampering sessions, medical consultations, free massage, skills training, PWD ID registration, seedling distribution, and TUPAD payout.
Mayor Turabin-Hataman, along with BM Hataman, Councilor Sakkalahul, and the DOLE ICFO led by SLEO Marlyn Anoos, awarded certificates to winners of the recent PWD Sports Challenge and distributed livelihood starter toolkits to selected beneficiaries.
The summit was organized by CPDAO Focal Person Gemma Paculio and CSWDO Head Nor-Aina Asmara, with support from various partners including DOLE ICFO, DSWD, the SPED faculty of Isabela East Central Elementary School, PESO, the City Engineering Office, City Planning and Development Office, and City Agriculture Office.
Held in observance of the 47th National Disability Rights Week with the theme “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities,” the summit highlighted the importance of harnessing innovation to create inclusive spaces that enable all individuals—regardless of ability—to participate fully and equally in society.
