Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman welcomed representatives from UN Women Philippines, the Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc., and participants of the Training of Trainers for Women Grassroots Peace and Security Facilitators from Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi in a courtesy visit on September 26 at the Isabela City Hall. Also present was Dr. Grace Rebollos, president of the Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc. (ZABIDA).
Mayor Turabin-Hataman warmly received the delegation, shared her insights and guidance, and reaffirmed her steadfast support for initiatives that empower women and promote inclusive peace and development in the city. She also highlighted Isabela City’s best practices in fostering gender-responsive and participatory governance.
City Information Officer and GAD Focal Person Mendry-Ann Lim likewise presented the city’s Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives, emphasizing local innovations that enhance women’s empowerment and strengthen community resilience.
The Training of Trainers, held on September 22–24 in Zamboanga City and continued on September 25–26 in Lamitan City, was implemented by the Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc. in partnership with ZABIDA. It forms part of the UN Women Peace and Security Project titled Conflict Prevention and Resolution at the Grassroots: Enhancing Skills of Women, Youth, and IP Leaders in Basulta.
During the courtesy visit, the delegation sought Mayor Turabin-Hataman’s valuable guidance, and explored avenues to further strengthen collaboration in advancing women’s participation in peace and development efforts in Basilan. The initiative aims to build the capacity of women leaders and community representatives to take active roles in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and social cohesion within their grassroots communities. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
