In a city once scarred by conflict but now glowing with promise, more than 500 women leaders and advocates gathered in Isabela City on October 14 to mark a powerful movement — the 4th Basilan Women Executives and Legislators’ (BWEL) Convention.
Themed “Women
as Agents of Good Governance,” the gathering wasn’t just a meeting of minds; it was a convergence of courage, compassion, and conviction — a testament to how women are reshaping leadership in Basilan and beyond.
Leadership that Begins in the Heart
“Every peso misused is a meal taken away from a child, a medicine withheld from the sick, a road left unpaved, a dream deferred.”
Those words, spoken by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman in her welcome address, silenced the hall for a moment — a gentle but firm reminder that governance is not just about policy, but morality.
“Wherever there are women who lead with courage and conscience, there, good governance begins to take root,” she added.
For Mayor Hataman, leadership is a daily discipline, “a habit of mind and heart” that requires empathy and ethical conviction. Under her watch, Isabela City has emerged as a beacon of participatory and transparent governance — where women lead not by privilege, but by purpose.
Women’s Voices in a Changing Basilan
In his message of support, Governor Mujiv Hataman lauded the growing collaboration among women executives and legislators, recognizing their indispensable role in peacebuilding and development.
“Asahan ninyo po na patuloy ang ating suporta sa mga programa para sa mga kababaihan… Ang inyong provincial government ay magiging tunay na gender-sensitive,” he said.
His statement underscored a simple truth: empowering women strengthens communities — and in Basilan, women are no longer silent participants, but active builders of peace and progress.
Meanwhile, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who joined the event virtually, commended Isabela City’s commitment to transparency and inclusion.
“Isabela City empowers its people to build transparent and participatory governance—aligned with the DBM’s commitment to good governance through equitable public finance,” she said, emphasizing gender-responsive budgeting as a driver of inclusive growth.
Women in Finance: Dreams, Numbers, and Empowerment
Opening the plenary, Atty. Arifa Ala, Senior Assistant Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), spoke with both data and heart.
“When we talk about financial inclusion, we’re not just talking about numbers—we’re talking about dreams. Tulad ng pangarap ng isang nanay na makapagtapos ang kanyang anak.”
Ala shared a sobering picture: only 26 percent of the employed population in BARMM are women, and 86 percent of its cities and municipalities remain unbanked. But she also shared hope — through Islamic finance, which she described as “an ethical system rooted in justice, inclusion, and compassion.”
Through initiatives like the Islamic Finance Coordination Forum and digital financial literacy programs, the BSP is working to open doors for more women — ensuring that the economy of Mindanao is not only inclusive but also culturally relevant.
She cited the pioneering role of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, whom she fondly referred to as the “Mother of Islamic Banking” for authoring and championing a landmark legislation that paved the way for the growth of Islamic finance in the Philippines — a measure that continues to empower Muslim Filipinos with equitable, faith-aligned financial choices.
Grace and Grit in Leadership
As the keynote speaker, Governor Ann Hofer of Zamboanga Sibugay exuded both grace and grit. She stood before a sea of women and declared,
“I look around and see more than just leaders. I see history makers, trailblazers, and nation builders.”
Hofer, the first woman governor of her province, shared her journey from legislator to chief executive, including her authorship of the landmark Free Tuition Law. She spoke of her H-O-F-E-R Development Agenda — focusing on health, safety, agriculture, education, and infrastructure — which has led to a remarkable drop in poverty from 26% in 2021 to 17.8% in 2023.
Her story resonated deeply — proof that when women lead with principle and persistence, transformation follows.
Faith, Modesty, and the Modern Muslimah
Adding a personal, spiritual layer to the day’s discourse, Queenie Padilla, spoke about faith and modesty in leadership.
“Modesty is not a limitation—it is a liberation,” she said. “It’s not about hiding who we are, but honoring who we are as Muslimah leaders.”
Her message struck a chord with the audience — many of whom are Muslim women navigating the delicate balance of tradition and modern leadership.
Padilla’s words reminded everyone that empowerment isn’t merely about visibility, but about authenticity — the courage to lead with humility, compassion, and faith.
One Voice, One Movement
The convention closed with Councilor Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul, Chairperson on the Committees on Women, Children, and Family Affairs and on GAD, rallying everyone to sustain their momentum.
“Napatunayan natin na kapag nagsama-sama ang mga kababaihan, hindi lang tayo nakikinig—tayo mismo ang gumagawa ng pagbabago para sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan,” she said.
The day ended in celebration — with cultural performances by the Pasangan Cultural Dance Troupe, recognition of nine outstanding women advocates, and even light-hearted moments such as raffles and awards for Best Dressed, Early Birds, and Biggest Delegation.
A Legacy of Leadership with Heart
Beyond the speeches and ceremonies, the 4th BWEL Convention stood as a declaration: that Basilan’s women are not just leaders by name, but by nature.
In their hands, governance is no longer a cold bureaucracy — it is compassion in motion, integrity in practice, and service made visible.
And as the sun set over Isabela City, one truth shone brighter than ever: When women lead with conscience and courage, good governance is not just possible — it is inevitable.
