With renewed hope and a shared vision for unity and progress, the City Government of Isabela formally celebrated the oath-taking of its newly elected officials during Pasínaya: 9th Inauguration of the Elected Local Government Officials, held on June 30, at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center in Barangay Binuangan.
The ceremony marked the beginning of a new term led by re-elected Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman and newly elected Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar Ajibon, alongside the members of the 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod. The occasion was graced by the presence of families, barangay leaders, and city department heads.
The program opened with the processional of the newly elected city officials, followed by the entrance of colors and the singing of Lupang Hinirang and the Isabela City Hymn. Tourism Operations Officer II and Culture and Arts Division Head Arriana Jupakkal led the Panunumpa sa Watawat, Information Officer Shermina Sualing led the Panunumpa ng Lingkod Bayan, and Engr. Merewyn Sadjail recited the city’s Quality Policy—reinforcing the values of patriotism and public service.
In her inaugural address, Mayor Turabin-Hataman described the moment not just as the beginning of a new term, but as the continuation of a collective journey built on trust and anchored in governance rooted in empathy, participation, and accountability—“Serbisyong DAmang-DAHma.”
Reflecting on her first two terms, she highlighted how the administration rebuilt systems, empowered communities, and made government services more inclusive, transparent, and accessible to every household. “We turned silence into action and skepticism into engagement,” she remarked.
Closing her address, the mayor expressed her deep personal connection to the city. “I am one of you—a mother, a daughter, a neighbor, an Isabeleño. And as long as we keep that ideal of a happy and dignified life for all guiding us, the best days of Isabela City are still ahead.”
A key moment during the event was the symbolic handover of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Key of Responsibility from outgoing Vice Mayor Engr. Jhul Kifli Salliman, represented by SP Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina Tindick to incoming Vice Mayor Ar-Jhemar Ajibon, signifying a peaceful and orderly transition of legislative leadership.
In a message filled with humility and faith, Vice Mayor Ajibon described his new role as an “amanah”—a sacred trust from the people and from Allah (SWT). He pledged to lead with purpose, accountability, and compassion, and committed to building a legislative body that is inclusive and just, where all sectors of society are represented and respected.
He expressed gratitude to outgoing Vice Mayor Hataman-Salliman, Mayor Turabin-Hataman, and Governor Mujiv Hataman for their guidance and support, and paid heartfelt tribute to his family as his source of strength and inspiration. “With your support, and by the mercy of Allah,” Ajibon said, “I am ready. The work begins anew—with faith, with hope, and with love. Larga na tayo, Isabela.”
The newly elected members of the 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Isabela City were formally introduced during the inauguration ceremony, representing a mix of re-elected and first-time public servants. These ten councilors—Jeromy Casas, Yusop Abubakar, James Abner Rodriguez, Alexis Ututalum, Ameen Camlian, Jashim Tiplani, Sara Ismael, Khaleedsher Asarul, Haizer Salain, and Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul—come from diverse backgrounds and sectors, each bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the City Council.
DILG-Isabela City Acting CLGOO Arnel Alvarez, in his closing message, emphasized the importance of unity, purpose-driven leadership, and continued community engagement for effective governance. He lauded the city for ranking 2nd in Region IX in the Local Legislative Awards, and encouraged officials to sustain their commitment to transparency and excellence, especially in light of new responsibilities under the Mandanas-Garcia ruling.
He also announced upcoming capacity-building activities for local officials, including the State of Local Governance Executive Briefing and a refresher course in Zamboanga City. He ended his message with a rallying call to all stakeholders to work together in building a progressive Isabela City that every citizen can proudly call home.
The event was capped by a cultural performance from the Pasangan Cultural Dance Troupe, celebrating Isabela City’s vibrant cultural identity and unity in diversity. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
