The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, through the City Tourism Office led by City Tourism Officer Claudio Ramos II, facilitated the visit of the Philippine Map Collectors Society (PHIMCOS), led by its President, Jaime González, on February 28.
Mayor Turabin-Hataman, Lone District Representative Mujiv Hataman, Basilan District 1 Board Member Ahmed Djaliv Hataman, and independent curator Marian Pastor Roces welcomed the visitors at Fuego-Fuego Beachfront in Tabiawan, where they were briefed on tourism protocols and statistics. They then took a sakayan ride to the Marang-Marang Floating Cottages and Mangrove Sanctuary.
At Marang-Marang, they were greeted with Igal performances by the Marang-Marang Women’s Association (MMWA) and the Bajau Women Weavers Association of Tampalan (BAWWAT). Guests enjoyed Moro delicacies prepared by MMWA, while BAWWAT showcased the intricate weaving of Tepo/Baluy, which visitors eagerly purchased.
The delegation also visited Pahali White Beach Resort In Malamawi Island, passing by Bajau stilt houses and the site of the Isabela de Basilan Museum. They were welcomed by the Pasangan Cultural Dance Troupe (PCDT) before enjoying a seafood feast. Renowned blacksmith Datu Halun Al-Rashid Asakil exhibited his bolo, pira, and barong, which guests purchased.
Back at Fuego-Fuego Beachfront, they explored the Tourism Information Center (TIC), where they bought Tennun textiles, accessories, and local delicacies. The Tennun Weavers of Lipunan explained their craft, and the tour concluded with a visit to the soon-to-open Isabela de Basilan Museum and the Tagima Quincentennial Marker. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
