The City Government of Isabela under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Leadership Team represented by Dr. Nujum Datu Indal, spearheaded a pioneering “Kapehan Dialogue” with the Ulama Council and the Madaris Association to tackle pressing concerns on adolescent health. The gathering, held on September 28, at JB Dans Hall in the LGU Complex, zeroed in on the rising cases of teenage pregnancy, particularly affecting Muslim youth and minority groups.
Sixteen faith leaders actively took part in the discussion, sharing their insights and experiences drawn from schools, mosques, and communities. From these exchanges emerged a collective recognition that religious teachings can serve as strong foundations in shaping solutions that resonate with families and the wider community. Participants emphasized that addressing issues such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy requires not just government intervention, but also the guidance of spiritual leaders.
Facilitated by Tony Tumalon of the Zuellig Family Foundation and The Challenge Initiative (ZFF-TCI) together with Nasra Mohammad from the City Population Management and Development Office (CPMDO), the session produced action points grounded in Islamic values. Faith leaders agreed to continue engaging one another in dialogue, to extend their advocacies through community-based activities such as symposiums and prayer rallies, and to work towards a formal position paper that would push for the inclusion of Islamic perspectives in school programs.
For Ustadz Jago, the effort highlights a shared responsibility: “These are not just concerns of the government, but are upheld in our Islamic teachings. We are called to influence the community by promoting moral actions. This cannot be done alone — we must work together, especially in addressing teenage pregnancy and early marriage.”
Though the city is preparing to graduate from the TCI project by October 2025, Mayor Turabin-Hataman’s administration has assured continued support for adolescent health initiatives. The goal, local leaders affirmed, is to sustain the momentum by embedding best practices and ensuring that young Isabeleños are empowered with knowledge, values, and community support. (With Photos by Tony Jumalon, ZFF-TCI)
