The City Government of Isabela under the administration of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), successfully conducted the Culmination Program for Gender and Development (GAD) CY 2025 on December 10 at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center in Barangay Binuangan.
A key highlight of the culmination was the recognition of completers under the HAPISABIDA Employment Pathway Program (HEPP) and the HAPISABIDA Entrepreneurship/Livelihood Pathway Program (HELPP). These programs, implemented with support from TESDA and DICT, reflect the city’s commitment to expanding capacity-building, professional growth, and livelihood opportunities for both residents and LGU personnel.
Under the HAPISABIDA Employment Pathway Program, 50 participants completed various skills development courses designed to enhance employability and workplace readiness. The trainings offered included Office Productivity Tools, Basic Layout Designing, Communication Skills Training focusing on job interview preparation and phone/email etiquette, and Customer Service. These learning interventions helped sharpen participants’ digital competencies, communication skills, and essential workplace capabilities useful in both government and private sector settings.
Meanwhile, the HAPISABIDA Entrepreneurship/Livelihood Pathway Program strengthened community livelihoods through TESDA-accredited technical courses. This year, 25 participants completed Hilot Massage, 25 completed Driving NC II, 33 finished Events Management NC III, and 30 completed Dressmaking. Customer Service training produced a total of 100 graduates across four batches, while 25 participants completed Organic Agriculture Production. These skills provide beneficiaries with practical and income-generating competencies that support self-employment, small-business development, and sustainable community livelihood initiatives.
In her message, Mayor Turabin-Hataman extended her congratulations to all the graduates and commended PESO Manager Aradelria Belleng for leading the city’s employment and livelihood initiatives. She also acknowledged the city’s recent achievement as 3rd Runner-Up for the Livelihood and Employment-Centered Award during the PH Model Cities and Municipalities 2025 organized by The Manila Times.
The mayor emphasized the importance of continuous skills development, highlighting that in today’s challenging economic climate, relying on a single source of income is often insufficient, even for those who are fully employed. She pointed out that having multiple skills and sources of livelihood is essential for financial stability and resilience, stressing that these abilities empower individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and seize new opportunities. Furthermore, she noted that the certificates earned by the graduates are not merely pieces of paper but valuable credentials that can enhance employability, create additional income streams, and open doors to various livelihood opportunities, ultimately contributing to personal growth and community development.
Present at the event were DICT Basilan Provincial Officer Michael Jolo; Provincial Director Engr. Adrian Ampong, represented by Administrative Officer V/Information Officer Mary Jane Amarado; Senior TESD Specialist and OIC PTC Administrator Engr. Abdulmubin Madisa, represented by PTC-ZC Senior TESD Specialist/Trainer Ibrahim Assamudin; and RTC Administrator Jocelyn Wee, represented by RTC Administrative V Katrina Gutihing. (Words by SJ Asakil, CIO/Photos by A. Puti, IsaTV)
