The Marang Marang Women’s Association (MMWA), a Community-Based Tourism Organization (CBTO) from Basilan, earned the Silver Award under the “Championing Cultural Diversity” category during the Responsible Tourism Awards Southeast Asia (RTA-SEA) 2026, held in conjunction with the 6th International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) 2026 on July 7–9, 2026, in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman personally accepted the award on behalf of MMWA during the ceremony. She was joined by Executive Assistant IV Norhaiya Macusang and Tourist Receptionist I Nikki Yvonne Jayson. MMWA was recognized for its outstanding contribution to preserving cultural heritage, empowering women, and promoting community-based tourism.
The recognition underscores the organization’s significant contribution to championing cultural diversity and demonstrates how community-led initiatives can drive inclusive and sustainable tourism development.
In addition, Mayor Turabin-Hataman will serve as a speaker during the conference’s Professional Dialogue Session on “Human Interactions in the Tourism and Hospitality Ecosystems: Beyond the Rhetorics,” where she will share Isabela City’s initiatives and insights on community participation, collaboration, and people-centered tourism development.
Organized by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism in Southeast Asia (ICRT-SEA) in partnership with the Centre for Responsible Borneo (REBORN), the event recognized exemplary responsible tourism initiatives across Southeast Asia while providing a platform for tourism leaders, practitioners, researchers, and government representatives to exchange best practices and strengthen regional collaboration.
The City Government of Isabela remains steadfast in supporting community-based tourism initiatives that empower local communities, celebrate cultural diversity, and promote Isabela City and Basilan on the international stage.
