In line with the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman spearheaded the launch of Wonders of Malamawi: Digital Photography on March 17 at Barangay Carbon, through the City Tourism Office led by CTO Claudio Ramos II.
In her message, Mayor Turabin-Hataman highlighted the importance of valuing women in society, emphasizing how the initiative not only promotes the beauty of Malamawi but also the strength and grace of the women of Isabela City. Meanwhile, City Information Officer and GAD Focal Person Mendry Ann Lim also shared the rationale behind the project, underscoring its role in promoting gender equality and amplifying the voices of women at the grassroots level.
The event included the unveiling of the Sintra Board Digital Photography Exhibit, featuring captivating images that reflect both the natural beauty of Malamawi Island and the empowerment of women in the local community. This aims to strengthen women’s advocacy efforts by providing a dedicated space where localized women empowerment messages can be showcased through digital billboards within the community.
It will be recalled that on October 10 last year, the City Government of Isabela also turned over the Women’s Advocacy on Learning and Living (WALL) project in Barangay Carbon, funded under the Gender and Development (GAD) Fund with an allocation of P1,393,090.05.
Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman led the unveiling ceremony along with Basilan District 1 Board Member Ahmed Djaliv Hataman, Councilor Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul, chairperson of the SP committee on tourism and beautification, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IMPR) Mary May Julhari, City Information Officer Mendry-Ann Lim, and Engr. Adzhar Amerin Muctar. The event was also graced by the Punong Barangay Ahmad Hamad of Marang-Marang, Nihma Dema of Diki, Laila Alih of Tampalan, represented by Maruja Sumarani, and Jim Fernandez of Sta. Barbara.
The PVC boards bear photos from CIO-IsaTV photographer Keneath Evardo and from the curated collection of the City Tourism Office.
The event was also made more special with the presence of Malamawi’s Community-Based Tourism Associations, including the Marang-Marang Women’s Association (MMWA) led by president Mayra Abbas, the Bajau Women Weavers Association of Tampalan (BAWWAT) led president Biniya Padjaran, the Diki Women’s Association, led by Susan Jalil, the Lukbuton Women’s Association, led by Shirley Isnani, and the Sta. Barbara Women’s Association, led by its president Leonarda Panteleon. who expressed their support for this gender-responsive initiative. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
