Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, together with Basilan Lone District Representative Mujiv Hataman, led the ceremonial send-off, February 17, for the Isabela City Division Athletic Association (ICDAA) Delegation. The event, organized by the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Isabela City, marked the city’s support for its athletes participating in the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet 2025, scheduled to be held in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte from February 23 to 28.
During the program, DSO Arnel Hajan formally presented the city’s contingent, comprising a total of 806 individuals. This includes 429 athletes from both elementary and secondary levels, 100 delegation officials, 127 technical officials, 123 coaches and chaperones, and 27 honorary members. The large and well-prepared delegation signifies the city’s strong commitment to youth development and sports excellence. The local government unit provided official uniforms and shoes to the members of the delegation.
In her message, Mayor Turabin-Hataman rallied the delegation with heartfelt encouragement. She emphasized the significance of their participation, saying, “Nakikiisa tayo sa ZPRAA at dala-dala nyo rin hindi lang pangalan, mukha kundi ang galing, lakas at ang puso ng Isabela.” The mayor encouraged the athletes to enjoy the competition while giving their best efforts to represent Isabela City with honor. Reflecting on the city’s achievements in recent years, she noted how the delegation had broken records in 2024 by earning 75 medals, surpassing the previous record of 35. She also announced the continuation of the city’s incentive program for medalists. Individual medalists will receive P2,000 for bronze, P3,000 for silver, and P5,000 for gold. Meanwhile, team medalists will receive P3,000 for bronze, P5,000 for silver, and P10,000 for gold.
The total budget allocated by the Local School Board for ZPRAA 2025 was P3,873,000 but the expenses needed as proposed by the DepEd SDO-Isabela City was 4,086,550, thus Rep. Hataman and Basilan District 1 Board Memeber Ahmed Ibn Djalib Hataman contributed the balance of P213,550 which will be used as travel allowance. The student-athletes also received P500 each, with an additional P500 to be distributed in Siocon, and P1,000 for coaches, delegation officials, and technical staff. The distribution of cash allowances was facilitated by Councilors Yusop Abubakar and Jeromy Casas, Alexes Ututalum, Barangay Menzi Kawagad Marilyn Aguinid, and Lukbuton Punong Barangay Jashim Tiplani, who assisted in ensuring the process was smooth and efficient.
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Maria Laarni Villanueva extended her gratitude to Rep. Hataman and BM Hataman for their continuous support and resources. She also expressed her confidence in the delegation’s readiness and conveyed the message of Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Jay Montealto, who encouraged the delegates to do their best and represent Isabela City with pride.
The presentation of the “saludo” concluded the event, symbolizing the city’s collective pride and unwavering support for its athletes. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
