In a city where tradition is not merely remembered but lived every day, the timeless artistry of Isabeleños took center stage in a celebration of heritage and identity, as the City Government of Isabela, through the City Tourism Office led by the Philippines’ Best City Tourism Officer, Claudio Ramos II, in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), held the inaugural HABI (Heritage Builders of Isabela de Basilan) Awards on October 15.
The HABI Awards shines a spotlight on extraordinary individuals who have devoted their time and talent to keeping Isabela City’s rich culture and traditions alive. More than just an award, it is a heartfelt tribute to the culture-bearers whose creativity, passion, and dedication continue to nurture the city’s vibrant identity and heritage.
In her message, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman emphasized that “Hindi lamang ito isang parangal, kundi isang panawagan upang pangalagaan ang ating kultura, tradisyon, at sining.” She expressed her gratitude to the awardees, saying, “Kayo ang inspirasyon ng lungsod, huwaran ng serbisyo at simbolo ng pagmamahal sa ating bayan.”
The mayor also reflected on the deeper meaning of cultural preservation: “Yung mga gawa ng mga nakatatanda ay hindi lamang para sa libangan. Hindi aabot ang ganitong kultura kung hindi ito pinahalagahan ng ating mga ninuno. It’s an invitation for us to know more, and we can only know more if we choose to keep it.”
The 2025 HABI Awardees are:
Viniya Padjaran – maglulugo Araja Abdulkalim – magtetepo Tumahod Saimani – magpopokot Datu Halun Asakil – magpapandayThese honorees received their awards from Mayor Turabin-Hataman and Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar Ajibon, witnessed by their proud families, city department heads, and representatives from the security and religious sectors. Each awardee received a ₱20,000 cash prize and access to various services provided by the City Government of Isabela.
In his message, Vice Mayor Ajibon highlighted that there is an ordinance institutionalizing the HABI Awards as a biennial recognition program, along with a resolution honoring the inaugural awardees. He assured, “Makakaasa po kayo na ang Sangguniang Panlungsod ay susuporta sa inyo sa pamamagitan ng pagsulong ng mga ordinansa para sa pagpapaunlad ng ating kultura.”
Meanwhile, City Councilor and Committee Chairperson on Culture and the Arts underscored the importance of community participation in preserving local identity. “Kapag pinahalagahan natin ang ating kultura, pinahalagahan rin natin ang ating mga tao,” she said, adding that the city’s cultural wealth is a collective legacy that must be protected and promoted by every Isabeleño.
Since assuming office in 2019, Mayor Turabin-Hataman has made cultural awareness a cornerstone of her governance—spearheading programs that strengthen the city’s unique identity and heritage. Isabela City also stands among the first LGUs in Mindanao to undertake a comprehensive cultural mapping project, ensuring that its traditions, stories, and artistry are preserved for generations to come.
