Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman delivered a stirring and comprehensive State of the City Report on July 15, during the Special Session of the 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod, marking a transformative six-year journey of inclusive leadership, peace, and progress.
Speaking before constituents at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center, Mayor Turabin-Hataman reflected on the city’s evolution from a marginalized community into a nationally recognized model of participatory governance, peace-building, and sustainable development.
Central to the mayor’s report was the city’s declaration of freedom from the Abu Sayyaf Group, a milestone decade in the making, and one that cements Isabela’s status as a safe and resilient city. Under her administration, peace and order investments reached P77 million, contributing to 29 barangays being declared drug-cleared and the city’s recognition as the region’s Most Disaster-Prepared LGU.
Mayor Hataman also emphasized reforms anchored on transparency and citizen participation, with the establishment of the Isabela City People’s Council and sustained efforts in participatory budgeting, civil registration, and FOI initiatives. Over 147 national and regional awards—including multiple Seal of Good Local Governance citations and recognitions in financial housekeeping—attest to the city’s efficient and accountable governance.
On the economic front, Isabela City transitioned from a 4th to a 3rd Class Component City, significantly reducing poverty from 41.6% to 10% in five years. Microfinance programs, support for MSMEs, fisherfolk and farmers, and infrastructure expansion have fueled local growth. The city also made great strides in environmental innovation through the Sea Sweepers initiative, Project ZERO, and the award-winning Isabela B.R.I.C.K.S. Program, which converts waste into building materials.
Education, health, and social protection remained top priorities, with record investments in healthcare infrastructure, the Mobile Clinic and Kitchen programs, functional literacy campaigns, and extensive support for women, youth, PWDs, IPs, and solo parents. Notable achievements include the lowest maternal mortality rate in Zamboanga Peninsula and the hosting of the 2026 ZPRAA Meet.
The city also emerged as a cultural and tourism hub, winning multiple national accolades for its heritage programs and festivals, while recording 1.6 million tourist visits since 2019. Strong public-private partnerships further enabled infrastructure growth, education support, and agri-financing initiatives.
Mayor Turabin-Hataman concluded by affirming that Isabela City’s progress is a collective victory—built on unity, shared purpose, and inclusive governance. As she enters her final term, she called on all sectors to continue working together to ensure that Isabela remains a model city of resilience, innovation, and hope. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
