Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman is advancing Isabela City’s digital transformation agenda following high-level discussions with GCash executives on a prospective partnership to expand cashless transactions and deepen digital and financial literacy across the city.
On February 5 in Zamboanga City, Mayor Hataman personally met with GCash Vice President and Head for Public Sector Cleo Santos, Vice President for VisMin and Regional Head Tania Padilla, West Mindanao & BaSulTa Regional Account Manager Nicole Valmonte, and Distributive Trade Mindanao Head Abran Tinagan. The meeting explored collaborative pathways to modernize city transactions and strengthen inclusive digital governance in Isabela City.
Simultaneously, GCash—led by Public Sector Mindanao Head Bea Ranada—paid a courtesy call in Isabela City, meeting with City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, who represented the Mayor, to further discuss program alignment and implementation modalities.
During the discussions, GCash presented platforms supporting digital payments, online transactions, and financial inclusion, underscoring their alignment with the national digital transformation agenda and their experience partnering with public institutions to streamline payment systems and improve service efficiency.
Proposed areas of cooperation include:
• Adoption of cashless payment systems for select city transactions and disbursements; and
• Rollout of digital and financial literacy programs for city employees and local communities.
GCash noted that the partnership aims to enhance the financial well-being and productivity of both city personnel and residents by promoting accessible, secure, and convenient financial solutions—complementing the city government’s drive to modernize public services.
The meeting was attended by key city officials: PESO Manager and concurrent City Budget Officer Aradelria Belleng, CIO and GAD Focal Person Mendry-Ann Lim, LEDIPO Chief Jaime Juanito Rivera, City Assessor Vido Yu, City Accountant Jaber Tiplani, Acting CCR Officer Nelsa Yahcob, and representatives from the City Planning and Development Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Treasury Office, and City Human Resource Management Office.
