The City Government of Isabela, in partnership with the Global United Nations Association of the Philippines (Global UNAP), formally launched the first Global UNAP Peace Center in Mindanao on October 4, at the Women Livelihood Training Center, Barangay Tabuk.
The historic event brought together city officials, international partners, and community leaders in a united call for peace, intercultural understanding, and sustainable development. The Peace Center is envisioned to serve as a hub for dialogue, cooperation, and community empowerment not only in Isabela City but across the region.
The program opened with the national anthem, prayer, and the Isabela City Hymn, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
As part of the opening, Ambassador Bai Norhata Alonto, President of UNAP Mindanao and PMWC, delivered a keynote address in line with the UN’s 80th Founding Anniversary, themed “The Road to Lasting Peace in Mindanao.” She emphasized that the anniversary is not only a commemoration of the UN’s long-standing commitment to global peace, human rights, and development but also the beginning of a new chapter for Basilan and Mindanao. She described the inauguration of the Peace Center as a powerful symbol of hope and a dedicated space for dialogue, healing, and collaborative nation-building.
Ambassador Alonto further stressed that peace is not achieved instantly but through a continuous journey requiring courage, sacrifice, and forgiveness, and that the Peace Center will serve as a vital space where communities can work together toward unity and progress.
Guests and participants were formally introduced by Bai Zaalica Yusoph, Vice President of UNAP Mindanao, highlighting the diverse representation at the event. Among those present were Global UNAP officials Anthony Cama Jr., UNAP-DERIN CPT Jose Roberto Tolentino Jr., Atty. Richard Diongco, and Dr. Jesus Randy Rivera; Hja. Badriya Sattalal, Sitti Juhada Jul, Isabela City Councilor Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul, and Rhuzaima Abubakar of the UNAP Mindanao Chapter.
Also attending were Board Member Ahmed Ibn Djaliv Turabin Hataman, Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar Ajibon with Councilors Jeromy Casas and Asan Al-Ameen Camlian; DOLE ICFO SLEO Marlyn Anoos; Nagdilaab Foundation Executive Director Miriam Suacito; DICT IX-BASULTA Basilan Provincial Officer Michael Jolo; PIA Infocenter Manager Nhilda delos Reyes; CPDAO Gemma Paculio; CSO Desk Officer Norhaiya Macusang; CIO Mendry-Ann Lim; and PESO Manager Aradelria Belleng.
Roderick Cruz, President of Global UNAP and immediate past National President of UNAP, highlighted the importance of the Peace Center in fostering local and global solidarity. He underscored that the conferment in Isabela City reflects the international community’s trust in Basilan’s role as a partner in peacebuilding and sustainable development.
The symbolic acceptance of the UN Flag and the delivery of a peace message was led by Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, underscoring the city’s strong commitment to peace and unity. In her message, Mayor Hataman emphasized that the establishment of the Peace Center is not only a milestone for Isabela City but also a significant step forward for Mindanao, providing a platform for learning, collaboration, and collective action toward a more peaceful and inclusive future.
One of the key highlights of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City Government of Isabela and Global UNAP, along with the Conferment of the Global UNAP Peace Center at the Nida P. Dans Livelihood Development and Skills Training Center by Roderick Cruz.
The conferment certificate officially designates the Isabela City Government as a Global UNAP Peace Center, in recognition of its advocacy for peace, education, cooperation, and sustainable development—contributing to the realization of “The Future We Want and the UN We Need.”
