The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the Gender and Development (GAD) Unit led by City Information Officer and concurrent GAD Focal Person Mendry-Ann Lim, conducted the preliminary screening for the 2025 Nine Independent and Dynamic Advocates of Women Empowerment (NIDA) Awards on April 8.
The panel of evaluators included former NIDA awardee PIA-Basilan Infocenter Manager Nilda Delos Reyes; Sheila Pagarigan, 2023 NIDA awardee and LCW President; Damona Sadjail and Noriam Ladjagais, who are long-time women rights advocates and epitome of empowered women in Isabela City; Councilor Karel Sakkalahul, who is now serving as the SP chairperson for the Committee on Women, Children and Family Affairs and Committee on Gender and Development; and Nimfa Casson, who joined online representing the family of the late Councilor Nida Dans.
First launched in 2022, the NIDA Awards aim to recognize women leaders in various fields who embody the 9-Point Priority Agenda of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman. The awards also serve to honor the enduring legacy of Councilor Nida Dans, the foremost champion of Isabeleño women. (Words by R. Natividad-Sarael / Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
