Under the visionary leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, healthcare services are now more accessible to Malamawi Island residents with the turnover of the first-ever Malamawi Super Health Center (SHC)—also the first in Basilan Province, July 24.
“Ang Malamawi gusto natin gawing model ng isang kumpletong komunidad. Gusto ko lahat ng available services sa Isabela ay magiging available na rin dito, [upang] meron nang mas malapit na pupuntahan,” said Mayor Turabin-Hataman, underscoring her commitment to resilient and inclusive community development.
DOH Development Management Officer IV Bryant Gales Labastida expressed admiration for Isabela City’s continued progress in healthcare.
Funded by the Department of Health’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program, with support from Senator Christopher Lawrence Go and Governor Mujiv Hataman, the SHC will serve Barangay Sta. Barbara and nearby communities including Carbon, Diki, Lukbuton, Marang-Marang, Panigayan, and Tampalan.
The facility will offer essential and specialized health services such as outpatient care, laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound, birthing, pharmacy, diagnostics, and emergency services. It is envisioned to evolve into a medium-scale polyclinic offering dental services and minor surgeries.
Also present were City Health Officer Dr. Mohrein Ismael VI, Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar Ajibon, Councilors Jeromy Casas, James Abner Rodriguez, Alexes Ututalum, Khaleedsher Asarul, Yusop Abubakar, Al-Ameen Camlian, Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul-Hataman, and SK Federation President Naila Belleng, as well as Barangay Sta. Barbara officials led by Punong Barangay Jim Fernandez. RHU-3 Malamawi Nurse Supervisor and NCD Nurse Coordinator Lujie Cruz, Rural Health Physician Sulaiman Tahsin, and other barangay health workers and staff also joined the event. (Words by J. Atilano, LEDIPO/Photos by K. Sencio, IsaTV)
