The City Government of Isabela, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) headed by Nor-aina Asmara in collaboration with the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) led by PESO Manager Aradelria Belleng, successfully held the Dendah Day Summit 2025 on March 20 at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center, as part of the city’s observance of the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration.
In her welcome message, CSWDO Nor-Aina Asmara emphasized that NWMC is both a celebration and a call to action to empower women across all sectors. She highlighted their vital role in shaping families, workplaces, and communities, and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to providing services that promote women’s well-being, independence, and leadership. Asmara also urged everyone to continue advocating for gender equality and to ensure that all women are valued, respected, and uplifted.
Councilor Karel Anjaiza Sakkalahul highlighted the vital role of women as pillars of society, acknowledging their sacrifices and resilience amid challenges like discrimination and criticism. She paid tribute to solo parents in Isabela City for their strength and dedication and urged everyone to continue supporting one another.
In her message, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman expressed heartfelt gratitude and underscored the significance of continuous recognition and empowerment of women.
“Maraming maraming salamat at nagkasama-sama ulit tayo ngayon. Hindi lang ito ngayong araw, dapat hindi lang ngayong buwan. Dapat sineselebrate tayo ng mga kababaihan hindi lamang ngayong Women’s Month, kundi buong taon, araw-araw. Dapat maganda tayo, malakas tayo, at may dignidad tayo sa bawat araw ng ating buhay.”
She emphasized that for Isabela City, every day is Women’s Day, and every month is Women’s Month. The value and recognition given to women go beyond symbolic gestures or mere token acts.
Hataman highlighted the importance of partnership between women and local leadership, stressing that women should be seen and treated as valuable partners in development. She added that true empowerment is reflected in how women’s dignity is upheld while enabling them to succeed in any field they choose.
“Ang pagpapahalaga na binibigay namin ay yung hindi natatapakan ang pagkatao ninyo, kundi iangat natin ito, may dignidad. Kaya nating maging successful sa kung anong larangan ang gusto nating pasukin, ng hindi natin sinasakripisyo ang dignidad natin, lalong lalo na tayong mga kababaihan.”
Atty. Alman-Najar Namla from the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission – Basilan Province led an orientation on Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) and VAWC (Violence Against Women and their Children) case management.
In her closing remarks, City Information Officer and GAD Focal Mendry-Ann Lim emphasized that Dendah Day is a testament to the city’s commitment to care for, empower, and uplift women and elders. She reminded the participants that the free services, from wellness to healthcare, reflect the city’s dedication to their well-being. Lim encouraged everyone to carry the spirit of compassion and unity beyond the event, adding that Denda Day is a celebration of self-love, resilience, and the power of women to shine despite challenges.
The summit also featured an awarding ceremony where smartphones were distributed to VAWC Desk Officers, and partner agencies received certificates and tokens of appreciation. Highlights also included a volleyball tournament, trivia questions, a raffle draw, and a short video presentation celebrating the women of Isabela City.
As part of Dia De Isabeleñas, participants also availed of services from various agencies, including social welfare assistance and ID applications for senior citizens, solo parents, and PWDs (CSWDO); civil registry services for birth, marriage, and death certificates (CCRO); thermal implant and family planning consultations (CPMDO); free seeds (CAgO); free medical consultations and dental services (CHO, Basilan Medical Center); and emergency response support (CDRRMO).
There were also baking demos and free services such as massage, nail care, and haircuts (TESDA IX); legal assistance (PAO); membership registration for PAGIBIG and SSS; and security provided by the PNP.
The event gathered around 700 women and was attended by Basilan District I Board Member Ahmed Ibn Djaliv Hataman, Councilor James Abner Rodriguez and IPMR Mary May Julhari, punong barangays, city officials, Barangay Council for the Protection of Children and Violence against Women and their Children Desk Officers from the city’s 45 barangay, KALIPI presidents and members. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
