Held on March 30 at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center in Binuangan, the 5th Basilan Women Executives and Legislators (BWEL) Summit of the City Government of Isabela brought together women leaders, policymakers, and advocates from across the province—strengthening a shared commitment to gender-responsive governance, professional development, and women empowerment, and serving as a fitting and “empowered” culmination of Isabela City’s Women’s Month Celebration.
BWEL is an annual convention that convenes women executives and legislators of Basilan, including mayors, vice mayors, councilors, barangay officials, and department heads from various local government units. It also gathers partners from national line agencies, women-led civil society organizations, Isabela City barangay lady legislators, and KALIPI presidents—making it a comprehensive platform for collaboration, leadership, and shared advocacy.
In her welcome remarks, Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman highlighted the increasing presence of women in leadership roles across Basilan:
“Nakaka-amaze makita na ang daming kababaihan ang nagpapatakbo sa government ng probinsya ng Basilan,” she shared.
She further underscored BWEL’s deeper purpose as a platform for connection and empowerment:
“BWEL provides the platform foremost para magkakakilala tayo. It serves as an opportunity to build our capacity, reinforce our commitments, and be inspired by the stories of fellow women.”
A key highlight of the summit was the presence of distinguished speakers who, like Mayor Hataman, are Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) awardees, reflecting the caliber of leadership and excellence featured in the event.
Guest Speaker Ustadza Nur-Ainee Tan Lim, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Social Services and Development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, delivered a compelling talk on “Faith, Culture, and Gender Equity: Advancing Women’s Rights in Muslim and IP Communities.” Her message emphasized the importance of culturally grounded and faith-sensitive approaches in promoting women’s rights and inclusive development.
Meanwhile, Keynote Speaker Deputy Commander Christine Pauline Castillo-Bergaño Diciano of the Philippine Coast Guard delivered her keynote address, “Women in Uniform: Lessons in Leadership and Integrity,” inspiring participants through her message on discipline, resilience, and ethical leadership. She highlighted the significant accomplishments and continuing advancement of women in the Philippine Coast Guard, demonstrating how women in uniform are increasingly taking on critical leadership roles.
A defining feature of the BWEL Summit is the annual recognition of the Nine Independent and Dynamic Advocates (NIDA) awardees, honoring outstanding women whose leadership and initiatives have significantly contributed to community development, governance, and empowerment across Basilan.
The program also featured the unveiling of the HAP DENDA Magazine, showcasing stories of women leadership and advocacy, alongside a session on Enhancing Professional Presence: Styling and Grooming Essentials by Mark “Veebop” R. Barandino, emphasizing confidence and self-presentation in leadership.
Closing the summit, Councilor Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul called on participants to sustain collaboration and continue uplifting one another in public service.
Participants’ testimonies reflected a shared sense of empowerment, highlighting BWEL as not only a platform for policy dialogue and capacity-building, but also a space for connection, inspiration, and solidarity among women leaders.
Now in its fifth year, the BWEL Summit continues to strengthen networks, recognize excellence through the NIDA Awards, and inspire women to lead change and shape more inclusive futures for Basilan and beyond. (Words by M. Lim)
