Once a pushover place, Isabela City is now a face of the region…

Roel Pareño 

ISABELA CITY, Basilan — Once dismissed as a pushover, this city has emerged as the “face of the region” in transparent and effective governance—earning comparisons to progressive cities like Quezon and Baguio.

In a stirring State of the City Address held Wednesday at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman reflected on the city’s transformation over the past six years.

“This is not just about reporting programs and projects,” the mayor said. “Today, we recognize the kind of city we’ve become—a city that has found its voice, its courage, and its place on the map of hope.”

Turabin-Hataman recounted Isabela City's journey from a place plagued by fear and division to one of peace, unity, and resilience. Once overlooked and weighed down by conflict, the city has become a symbol of hope.

Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman speaks during her State of the City Address.

"We are a city full of dreams, often denied the opportunity to realize them. We are rich in talent, compassion, and courage, yet confined by narratives we did not write and images we did not choose," she added.

She recalled her early days in office, speaking to a community yearning for change, even as she harbored doubts. But she vowed not to lead for power or recognition—but to build a government that listens, cares, and engages its people in shaping their future.

Under her leadership, Isabela City has taken the lead in the Zamboanga Peninsula region, excelling in key sectors such as governance, peace and order, education, health, economy, and tourism.

Despite a modest budget compared to other key cities, Turabin-Hataman emphasized investing in projects that directly impacted the people.

“I see it as an investment in the people—not just in pesos. Because if you look at our budget, it’s small. But the results speak for themselves. It was the change in mindset, culture, and behavior that truly made the difference,” she explained.

She stressed that the occasion wasn’t just about presenting reports—but recognizing what Isabela City has become.

“We are no longer the Isabela that was once overlooked. We are now the brave City of Isabela—a city that has found its voice, its courage, and its place on the map of hope,” she declared.

Looking ahead to her final term, Turabin-Hataman said: “This chapter of my leadership is not about signing my name—but about signing our success. This is not the legacy of a leader, but the legacy of a community.”

A City Reclaimed

The mayor described Isabela as a city once boxed in by fear and stories told by others—but now, “a city that chose to lead. A city of peace. A city of hope.”

She noted the historic declaration of Isabela City as free from the presence and influence of the Abu Sayyaf Group—a victory more than three decades in the making.

“The world now sees us as a city of peace,” she said, crediting the tireless efforts of Governor Mujiv Hataman and many others in ending the long chapter of violence in Basilan. “This is a collective triumph—not just for Isabela, but for the entire province.”

As chairperson of the Basilan Local Amnesty Board, Turabin-Hataman led deliberations on former insurgents’ cases, helping guide them toward rehabilitation and reintegration—part of the city’s broader commitment to peace with justice.

From an initial Peace and Order budget of just P5 million in 2020, the city’s investment rose to P21.3 million by 2025—reaching a total of P77 million over six years.

That commitment earned Isabela City top honors in the 2024 Peace and Order Council (POC) Audit, and recognition with the Outstanding Regional Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Award.

Turabin-Hataman highlighted the stability brought by peace, which helped revitalize the local economy and tourism. From 2019 to 2025, the city welcomed 1.6 million tourist visits, peaking at 513,000 in 2024. Community-based tourism models ensured growth was inclusive and sustainable.

Among the landmark achievements was the passage of People Empowerment Ordinance No. 25-808, establishing the Isabela City People’s Council (ICPC)—dramatically expanding civil society participation.

“This was never about leaving a personal legacy,” she said. “It was about building a legacy for the people—a city that refused to be left behind, and is now boldly moving forward.”

As her final term unfolds, Mayor Turabin-Hataman leaves behind a city transformed—not only in infrastructure and security, but also in spirit and identity.

“This is not the legacy of a single leader. This is the legacy of an empowered people,” she said.

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