Isabela City, Basilan — In a significant achievement, the City Government of Isabela, led by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, was honored with the 2023 Layag Award for Excellence in Local Governance under the category of Peace and Order Governance. The prestigious award was presented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX on October 30 during the Zamboanga Peninsula Local Governance Congress (LGC), which celebrated the 33rd Local Government Month with the theme “Local Governance Breakthroughs.”
The award recognized Isabela City’s commitment to establishing peace and security, largely due to its innovative programs, HAPIForce and Isabela Watch, both crucial in securing local communities. As force multipliers, these initiatives have actively contributed to the city’s safety and stability, supporting local law enforcement and enhancing community trust.
This award comes as a significant milestone for Isabela City, which was recently declared free of the presence of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), marking the end of years of terrorism and unrest. The city’s strides toward peace and security have fostered a safer environment and set a strong foundation for further development and prosperity.
The recognition highlighted the work of the City Peace, Order, and Public Security (POPS) Department, the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC), and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), all of which played vital roles in the collaborative approach to safeguard Isabela City’s future.
The Zamboanga Peninsula Local Governance Congress served as an opportunity to showcase regional achievements in local governance, with the Layag Awards underscoring innovative and effective practices that contribute to social progress. Mayor Turabin-Hataman expressed her gratitude for the honor, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to maintain peace in the region.
As Isabela City embarks on this new chapter of peace, the local government reaffirms its commitment to sustaining a secure, inclusive, and progressive environment for all residents.
