Isabela City, Basilan – April 11, 2025 — In a strong affirmation of its commitment to inclusive and participatory governance, the City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, held an oath-taking ceremony for the newly appointed Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) from six barangays on Thursday.
The ceremony, held at the City Hall, marked a significant milestone in advancing Indigenous representation at the barangay level. Mayor Turabin-Hataman administered the oath of office and emphasized the city’s continuing support for Indigenous Peoples (IPs), highlighting the importance of representation in ensuring cultural preservation, community development, and inclusive progress.
“This is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a concrete step toward empowering our Indigenous communities and ensuring their voices are heard in our local governance,” Mayor Turabin-Hataman said.
The appointed IPMRs from the six barangays are:
- Baluno – Nurhabel Kassan
- Lanote – Fathea Basirul
- Lukbuton – Jamar Palluh
- Makiri – Munawar Sali
- Panigayan – Jannang Jamaluddin
- Port Area – Jomer Atang
City IPMR Councilor Mary May Julhari, Executive Assistant on IP Affairs Norhaiya Diabo-Macusang, representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and other stakeholders were present to witness the ceremony and show solidarity with the Indigenous communities.
The appointment of the IPMRs is not just a formality—it is a step toward inclusive governance that reflects the city’s recognition of the diverse cultural identities that shape its society. Through their roles, these representatives are expected to bring forward the concerns, aspirations, and traditions of their communities, ensuring these are integrated into barangay and city-wide policies and programs.
The Importance of Indigenous Representation
Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representation (IPMR) is a legal mechanism established by the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) to guarantee that IPs have a voice in decision-making bodies. In local government units, IPMRs play a vital role in bridging traditional leadership structures with modern governance frameworks.
In areas like Isabela City, where Indigenous communities form part of the socio-cultural fabric, IPMRs are essential in safeguarding ancestral rights, promoting cultural education, and addressing issues such as land use, access to services, and sustainable development.
Their presence in local governance also enhances dialogue between various sectors of society and promotes peace-building and social cohesion—especially in areas where Indigenous voices have long been marginalized.
By empowering Indigenous representatives, Isabela City sets an example for other LGUs in upholding democratic ideals that are genuinely inclusive and culturally respectful.
As the newly appointed IPMRs begin their service, their leadership is expected to inspire greater unity and collective action towards a more inclusive and culturally rooted governance in Isabela City.