The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman and facilitated by CSO Desk Officer Norhaiya Macusang, successfully concluded the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month 2025 celebration with a culmination program held on October 29 at Barangay Panigayan, Malamawi Island.
With the theme “Weaving Culture: Enriching Future, Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development,” the event underscored the city’s ongoing commitment to cultural preservation, environmental protection, and inclusive growth for IP communities.
The day’s activities included the distribution of 120 DSWD food packs to local residents and an Adopt-A-School Program at Panigayan Integrated School, where OVP PagbaBAGo bags were distributed to Grades I and IV students as part of the city’s education support initiative. Pack of pencil were also turned over through the generosity of the De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) Social Action Office. The celebration also included a coastal clean-up and the planting of 300 mangrove propagules — symbolizing the city’s collective responsibility in protecting the environment and strengthening community resilience.
In attendance were officials from the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Panigayan, Assistant Principal Jehan Jul, and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) from Tampalan, Panigayan, Kapatagan Grande, Balatanay, Lukbuton, Masola, Riverside, Lumbang, Aguada, Tabuk, Kumalarang, San Rafael, and Port Area. (Photos by M. Santos/Words by SJ Asakil, CIO)
