As part of the 89th Founding Anniversary of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio graced the thanksgiving activities held in Isabela City on November 27.
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman expressed her gratitude for Vice President Sara Duterte’s visit and the assistance extended to the people of Isabela City. She shared that the gymnasium, which served as a venue for the event, was a project initiated under the leadership of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The mayor also thanked Vice President Duterte for her continued support to the Schools Division Office of Isabela City during her tenure as the Secretary of Department of Education.
In her message, Mayor Turabin-Hataman highlighted the city’s significant strides in tourism, economic development, and inclusive governance. She emphasized how collaborative efforts, such as the Vice President’s initiatives, contribute to creating a more empowered and resilient community in Isabela City. The mayor reaffirmed her commitment to sustainable progress and strengthening partnerships that uplift the lives of her constituents and emphasized how partnerships with national agencies, such as the OVP, contribute to these achievements and benefit the broader community.
Vice President Duterte-Carpio shared her admiration for the remarkable achievements of Isabela City, particularly highlighting its progress in the tourism sector. She expressed delight in learning about the city’s increasing number of visitors and the significant strides it has made in branding itself as a prime destination. Reflecting on her own experiences as mayor of Davao City, she underscored the crucial role branding plays in the success of local tourism initiatives.
VP Duterte-Carpio commended the local government for prioritizing tourism development, noting that such efforts not only boost the city’s economy but also enhance its reputation as a leader in Mindanao’s progress. She encouraged the continuation of these initiatives, emphasizing that a strong focus on tourism can serve as a catalyst for further growth and development.
One of the event’s highlights was the distribution of essential goods to 1,000 identified beneficiaries, which included 300 fisherfolk, 300 farmers, and 400 individuals from other vulnerable sectors, including people of diverse SOGIESC. Each recipient received an OVP tote bag containing a corrugated box filled with 10 kilos of well-milled rice, 6 cans of corned beef, 3 cans of beef loaf, 3 cans of sardines, 2 packs of instant noodles, and 1 pack of stick coffee.
The turnover ceremony was attended by OVP-Western Mindanao Satellite Office Lead Michael Angelo Saavedra, city councilors James Abner Rodriguez, Jeromy Casas, Yusop Abubakar, Bimbo Epping and Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul, city department heads and Punong Barangays. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
