In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month, the City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, hosted a HAPIsabela Indigenous People’s Summit and Public Service Caravan on October 6, at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center, honoring the culture, rights, and contributions of Indigenous communities.
Anchored on the theme “Hinahabi ang Kultura, Isinusulong ang Karapatan, Pinalalakas ang Katutubong Pamayanan bilang Haligi ng Kinabukasan,” the event was organized in partnership with the Office of Senator Robinhood Padilla, the Provincial Government of Basilan, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). It sought to highlight the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in nation-building while promoting inclusivity, cultural pride, and sustainable community development.
More than 1,000 Indigenous Peoples from various barangays joined the activity, which featured cultural presentations and a public service caravan. Essential services were offered by different agencies, including registration of birth and identity documents, PhilHealth and Social Security System (SSS) enrollment, medical and dental consultations, free haircuts, distribution of seeds and food packs, financial literacy sessions, legal counselling, and first aid demonstrations, among others.
In his welcome remarks, SP Committee on Indigenous Peoples chair Councilor Yusop Abubakar recognized the unity and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, acknowledging the hardships they have endured to preserve their way of life. He encouraged IP communities to remain proud of their identity and heritage while actively participating in the city’s growth and development.
Basilan District 1 Board Member Ahmed Ibn Djaliv Hataman also expressed his support, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that programs of both the provincial and city governments truly address the needs of IP communities. He pointed out that beyond recognition, it is critical to translate policies into tangible actions that improve living conditions, provide opportunities, and protect the cultural identity of Indigenous groups.
Governor Mujiv Hataman, in his message of commitment, highlighted the significance of the first-ever joint celebration of Indigenous Peoples Month by the Provincial Government and the City Government of Isabela. He emphasized that the occasion serves as a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity with Indigenous communities—not only by extending support, but by standing with them in their daily struggles and long-term pursuit of recognition, dignity, and the full respect of their rights. Governor Hataman urged IP communities to continue embracing their identity with pride, stressing that being a katutubo should not merely be by name but should be lived and embodied with conviction. He reassured them that the provincial government stands as their ally in the fight for equality, justice, and respect.
In his keynote message, Senator Robinhood Padilla reaffirmed his strong advocacy for Indigenous Peoples’ rights. He vowed to champion legislation and initiatives that secure their welfare, strengthen their cultural identity, and ensure access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. He highlighted the richness of IP heritage as a foundation of national identity and underscored the need to protect it for future generations. Senator Padilla assured that as a lawmaker, he will continue to be a strong voice for Indigenous Peoples in the Senate, ensuring that their concerns and aspirations are not only heard but acted upon.
For her part, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman thanked all participating agencies and expressed her gratitude to the IP communities for their active involvement. She highlighted the city’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth, stressing that true progress can only be achieved when no sector is left behind. She emphasized that empowering Indigenous Peoples is not only about recognition but also about providing equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and livelihood so they may thrive and contribute to the city’s collective future. Mayor Turabin-Hataman also reminded the public that preserving IP culture is preserving the soul of the community, and assured that the local government will continue to craft responsive policies and services that uplift Indigenous groups.
The activity concluded with a consultative meeting with IP leaders, which tackled the importance of their contributions, the challenges they continue to face, and ways forward. Both Governor Hataman and Senator Padilla responded with assurances of their sustained support, reinforcing the message that Indigenous Peoples are not alone in their journey for recognition, dignity, and development.
The successful celebration marked a historic step in Basilan and Isabela City’s shared goal of strengthening Indigenous communities as vital pillars of progress, unity, and cultural harmony. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
