In a vibrant display of community spirit and public service, the City Government of Isabela, through the Public Employment Services Office (PESO), successfully conducted the “Dia de Isabeleños: Pasangen sin Katabangan” at Plaza Misericordia Street on April 27, in conjunction with the landmark 25th Sakayan Festival. The event adopted the theme “Reflections and Directions at 25,” serving as a centralized hub where residents could access vital government services from 20 participating local and national agencies.
The program kicked off with an inspiring message from Punong Barangay Fitzgerald Tan of Barangay Seaside. In his opening remarks, PB Tan emphasized that the day was more than just a gathering; it was a symbol of “opportunity and new beginnings” for job seekers and hardworking Isabeleños. He encouraged the community to look back at their shared history while confidently taking a new direction toward the future, fueled by connection and unity.
Representing City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, City Administrator Peter Eisma delivered a message of support, highlighting the initiative as a fulfillment of the government’s mandate to bring services directly to the people. Eisma acknowledged the Mayor’s national recognition in good governance, stating that while Isabela still has a long way to go, the city has already come so far in terms of the quality and reach of the services it provides.
Following the formal ceremony, hundreds of residents flocked to the various booths to avail themselves of free services. From healthcare to legal consultations and employment assistance, the “one-stop-shop” recorded a significant turnout across all participating sectors.
National & Local Agencies Services Provided Clients Served
• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – 221
• Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – 165
• Public Employment Services Office (PESO) – 90
• City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) – 90
• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – 56
• City Information Office (CIO):
– BION Information Caravan (45) & Mobile Library (50)
• Basilan General Hospital (BGH) Medical (32) & Dental Consultations (21)
• Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) – 34
• Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) – 22
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – 18
• City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (CPDAO) – 12
• City Civil Registrar (CCR) – 4
• City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) – 4
• City Agriculture Office – 105
Other participating agencies that stood ready to assist included the 1101st Infantry Brigade (AFP) offering free haircuts and security, Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, City Population Management Office (CPMO), and the Isabela City Police Station (ICPS).
As Isabela City moves forward from its 25th year, the success of Dia de Isabeleños stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to “humanized” governance—where the government does not wait for the people, but instead, goes to where the people are. (Words by S. Angging/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
