The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, launched the first-ever Interfaith Dialogue Series on March 6 as part of the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration.
For its inaugural session on “The Virtues of Modesty and Fasting,” the dialogue brought together faith leaders and community members to engage in an insightful discussion on these essential spiritual practices.
City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogues in fostering respect and appreciation for diverse traditions. He highlighted that while differences exist, open conversations bridge gaps, cultivating a stronger and more united community.
The discussion featured esteemed speakers from different religious backgrounds, each offering profound insights into the significance of modesty and fasting within their faiths:
Fr. Franklyn Floyd G. Costan, JCL, Parish Priest of San Vicente Ferrer Parish, described fasting as a spiritual discipline—a means to draw closer to God through self-sacrifice, prayer, and reflection. He also elaborated on the significance of modesty and fasting in the Roman Catholic faith, emphasizing their role in deepening one’s relationship with God.
Barbette Tabenas-Baclay, RN, BIDA Information Officer of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, highlighted the physical and spiritual benefits of fasting, emphasizing its role in achieving a balance between health and faith. She also shared that modesty is a reflection of one’s personality, influencing both behavior and outward appearance.
Ustadza Sitti Rahma U. Sahibil from Ma’had Basilan Al-Arabie Al-Islamie explained the Islamic perspective on fasting, particularly during Ramadan, where self-restraint, gratitude, and empathy for the less fortunate are cultivated. She also underscored the importance of modesty in Islam, not just in dress but in speech, conduct, and interactions.
Ustadza Fahma S. Ismael from Jam Iyyatun Nusa Alkhairiya spoke on modesty as an expression of faith, stressing that it extends beyond attire to encompass humility, behavior, and purity of intention. She highlighted that modesty and fasting serve as pathways to humility, strengthening one’s character and devotion to God.
An open forum followed, allowing participants to engage in thoughtful discussions, ask questions, and reflect on how modesty and fasting transcend religious boundaries. The session, moderated by Assistant CHRMO Mojahed Cosain, facilitated a meaningful exchange of ideas, further strengthening interfaith understanding and unity.
In her closing remarks, Mendry-Ann Lim, City Information Officer and concurrent GAD Focal Person, expressed gratitude to all attendees for their active participation. She emphasized that interfaith dialogues serve as crucial platforms for breaking down misconceptions, fostering respect, and nurturing a culture of peace.
To be held every Wednesday of March, succeeding topics of the Interfaith Dialogue Series include: Mercy and Forgiveness (March 12); Women of the Holy Scriptures (March 19); and Faith and Social Responsibilities (March 26).
The organizers of this program invited individuals from different religions such as Roman Catholics, Madaris teachers, Seventh-Day Adventists, UECI as well as multi-sectoral groups to include members of the Local Council of Women, KALIPI, PWDs, IPs, farmers, youth, academe, SP Members, barangay chairpersons, BIOs and LGU employees.
The Interfaith Dialogue Series is more than just an event—it is a movement towards a more united community, where people of different faiths come together to celebrate their shared values. (Words by R. Natividad-Sarael/Contributed Photos)
