ISABELA CITY, BASILAN — Governor Mujiv S. Hataman has signed Executive Order No. 19, Series of 2025, officially launching Sagip Kalikasan or Saving and Guarding Our Islands’ Patrimony for a Green Basilan — a flagship provincial program that intertwines environmental protection with sustainable livelihood initiatives for local communities.
The program aims to make environmental protection—covering forests, rivers, and coastal ecosystems—a core part of the provincial government’s daily operations while ensuring that Basileño families have viable sources of income. It focuses on curbing illegal and destructive activities, restoring forests and watersheds, and protecting marine and coastal areas.
To balance conservation with livelihood, Sagip Kalikasan promotes eco-friendly income opportunities such as agroforestry, organic agriculture, and community-based ecotourism. These initiatives will be supported through training, essential tools, and market linkages to sustain long-term economic benefits.
The program forms part of the broader Basilan HELPS framework—under which Education and Environment are priority sectors—and directly addresses issues raised during provincial consultations, including illegal logging in the Sampinit area that has displaced numerous families. The initiative seeks to transition affected residents toward legal and sustainable livelihoods.
Under EO 19, the Sagip Kalikasan Council will be established, chaired by Gov. Hataman with Marietta R. Ladjiman of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office as co-chair. The council includes representatives from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Provincial Planning, Budget, and Legal Offices, local water districts (ISAWAD, MAWAD, LAMWAD), and partner organizations such as the Nagdilaab Foundation and the Basilan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The council’s first mandate is to craft the Provincial Environmental Protection and Sustainable Livelihood Framework Plan and conduct capacity-building for local government units (LGUs) and communities. It will also strengthen coordination with law enforcement and national agencies to bolster environmental governance in the province.
As part of the program’s initial rollout, the provincial government has allocated ₱1.2 million for forest inventory and rehabilitation activities involving confiscated logs. The Capitol has also ordered the closure of sawmills operating in affected areas, including two in Kapatagan currently under inventory.
The signing and discussions were attended by representatives from the Nagdilaab Foundation led by Deddette Suacito, MENRE headed by Marietta Ladjiman, MAFAR’s Hanie Muadz Junuban, and DENR-ENRO Isabela City. Also present were AFP and PNP officials including LTC Anthony Caro (18th IB), LTC Gerwen Maghuyop (32nd IB), LTC Franco Baylon (45th IB), LTC Geoffrey Fabros (6SFBn), PMAJ Kuhutan Imlani Jr. (Isabela City Police), Provincial Administrator Manny Muarip, and other provincial officials.
The meeting also tackled preparations for the upcoming Mindanao Week of Peace, which will feature tree-growing activities and community engagements with uniformed personnel, LGUs, and civil society groups.
Governor Hataman underscored that Sagip Kalikasan reflects a clear vision for Basilan — a province where natural resources are protected, livelihoods are sustainable, and every sector, from the Capitol to the barangays, shares responsibility for a greener, more resilient island.