The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, joined the Roundtable Discussion on “Women Whole: Caring for the Development, Security, and Bodily Autonomy of Moro Women” (Kababaihang Buo: Pangangalaga sa Pag-unlad, Seguridad, at Pagpasya sa Sariling Katawan ng Kababaihang Moro), October 27 in Zamboanga City.
This roundtable aimed to bring together women leaders, advocates, and policymakers to discuss pressing issues affecting Moro women—including gender-based violence, early marriage, reproductive rights, and women’s participation in governance—while fostering collaboration toward inclusive, rights-based development.
As keynote speaker, Mayor Turabin-Hataman, also the founder of Pinay Kilos, shared Isabela City’s Gender and Development (GAD) accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of systems-based empowerment, participatory governance, and the moral responsibility of ensuring equality and dignity for all women. Her message reflected the City’s ongoing efforts to build a community where empowerment coexists with faith and culture.
Mendry-Ann Lim, City Information Officer and GAD Focal Person, also represented Isabela City and delivered a heartfelt response. She shared stories of resilience and transformation among Bangsamoro women, highlighting the city’s initiatives through the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) and the Local Council of Women (LCW) — both of which champion women’s participation and leadership at the community level.
The event gathered representatives from various institutions and government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights, the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the Bureau of Muslim Economic Affairs, the Department of Health, and the Health Ministry of BARMM.
Also present were women advocates from Zamboanga City, Basilan, and Manila, alongside experts such as Dr. Ma. Lizbeth Sahijuan (POGS), Dr. Kristina F. Datu-Ramos, Atty. Fayda Dumarpa, and Dr. Aminoding Limpao, among others — who all shared valuable insights on gender equality and social protection for Moro women.
The session was moderated by Jasmin Teodoro, executive director of Pinay Kilos, and Estephanie Brigatay, project coordinator of Likhaan Center for Women’s Health, who both steered a meaningful dialogue on women’s rights, health, and empowerment.
Through this engagement, LGU-Isabela City reaffirms its commitment to amplifying women’s voices, advancing gender equality, and fostering a society where every woman — especially the Bangsamoro woman — can live with dignity, strength, and self-determination. (Words by R. Albani/Photos by A. Puti, IsaTV)
