In its continued commitment to sports development and youth engagement, the opening ceremony of the HAPIsabela Volleyball Tournament Season 1 was held on April 9, organized in partnership with the City Government of Isabela under the administration of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, the Lingkatan LGBTQ+ Organization, the Basilan Volleyball Association (BVA), and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).
The parade was followed by a welcome message from Lingkatan LGBTQ+ president Saudi Alasa, who emphasized the importance of sports as a platform for developing leadership, fostering teamwork, and strengthening community bonds
In a show of support, Mayor Turabin-Hataman represented by City Information Officer and concurrent Gender and Development Focal Person Mendry-Ann Lim delivered a message highlighting the role of volleyball and other sports activities in promoting youth empowerment, health, and positive values. She expressed her continued support for programs that uplift young Isabeleños and provide them with opportunities to grow and excel.
Following this, Philippine National Volleyball Federation vice president Dr. Arnel Hajan, led the Oath of Sportsmanship, inspiring athletes to uphold integrity, fairness, and respect throughout the tournament. The ceremonial First Serve was then conducted, signaling the start of the competition and the First Match that officially launched the tournament season. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
