The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) – Basilan Council, led by Council President Ruby Anne Yu, paid a courtesy visit to Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman on December 1 to personally express their appreciation for the city’s unwavering support for Girl Scout programs and activities.
During the visit, the delegation thanked the mayor for her strong backing of the recent awarding of the five Chief Girl Scouts Medal Scheme Projects, held on November 27 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The ceremony celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of Basilan’s young Girl Scouts, whose leadership, service, and commitment continue to embody the highest ideals of the Movement. This year, the Basilan Council proudly marked its biggest milestone yet, with five young women officially confirmed as national awardees of the Chief Girl Scout Medal.
Presented as the 2nd batch of Chief Girl Scout Medalists from the Basilan Council are:
CdtGS Chellesay Siason – Baluno National High School
SrGS Alrishka Xyla Naga – Baluno National High School
CdtGS Jazmin Bahi-an – Basilan National High School
CdtGS Asmah Ali-Fakhri Abdulsabour – Basilan National High School
CdtGS Jaecajoy Mandawe – Basilan National High School
President Yu also expressed gratitude for the city’s support of Project Eco and the Gathering of Girl Leaders, two initiatives implemented with assistance from the local government through its Gender and Development (GAD) fund. These programs have provided young Girl Scouts with opportunities to engage in environmental stewardship, leadership development, and meaningful community service.
As a gesture of appreciation, Mayor Turabin-Hataman was presented with a Plaque of Recognition from the GSP Basilan Council, together with the GSP Western Mindanao Region. The award honors the mayor’s consistent advocacy for youth empowerment and her sustained commitment to advancing the mission and growth of the Girl Scouts movement in Basilan.
The partnership between the GSP Basilan Council, the City Government of Isabela, the City Gender and Development Office, and the Department of Education-Isabela City Schools Division has also resulted in the successful implementation of Project Eco-COLLECT, an environmental camp focused on transforming plastic waste into usable community resources. The initiative aims to raise environmental awareness and promote responsible waste management among Girl Scouts and local youth. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
