Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman recently welcomed Gusi Peace Prize Laureate 2022, and former International Council of Islamic Finance Educators (ICIFE) Project Director Zulkifly Baharom and Zarina Binti Ishak to Isabela City. Dr. Baharom is also the Founding CEO of Sejahtera Leadership Initiative, an international vibrant referent interest group in support of UN diversity of citizen sustainable initiatives. In 2021, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman was named by the board of the Sejahtera Leadership Initiative (SLI) as a member of the SLI Eminent International Advisory Panel (EIAP).
Dr. Baharom’s visit is part of a comprehensive itinerary aimed at fostering collaboration in enhancing microfinancing initiatives and developing educational opportunities.
The visit was strategically timed to coincide with the Eid’l Adha celebration, allowing the visitors to experience local community gatherings and to enjoy local Tourist Attractions.
They met with the Basilan Supreme Ulamah Council, which, alongwith local leaders are planning to establish a private-led institution that will offer a systematic collection and distribution of Zakat, Sadaqa, Waqf and other Islamic modalities on social welfare.
Designated as representative of Malaysia’s Cyberjaya University for possible educational linkages in the city, Dr. Baharom visited Madrasah Al-Manarah and Basilan State College.
Notably, their activities involved a meeting with the Microfinance Team at the USAHA Center to check on the accomplishment and effectiveness of the Islamic Microfinance and Livelihood Assistance Program (IMLAP), a brainchild project of Mayor Dadah birthed from her intensive Islamic Banking and Microfinance Training in Malaysia, under Dr. Baharom’s mentorship.
On June 19, Mayor Hataman accompanied them to visit Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) for a meeting with University President Dr. Carla Ochotorena and other high ranking officials. A possible internationalization venture was discussed especially with the newly-established College of Medicine.
Since assuming office in 2019, Mayor Turabin-Hataman has leveraged her networks to implement social amelioration programs powered by Islamic microfinancing. This collaboration is a continuation of her efforts to combat poverty and stimulate economic growth in Isabela City. The visit was instrumental in jumpstarting new initiatives and reinforcing existing programs that have already halved the city’s poverty index.
On June 21, Dr. Baharom, alongwith Isabela City LGU Representatives Mojahed Cosain and Norhaya Macusang met with Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino to discuss the initiatives being paved for and in Isabela City. At the core of these initiatives is enhancing educational exchanges, strengthening economic partnerships, and leveraging international expertise to further support Isabela City’s development goals. (Contributed Photos)
