MAYOR Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman of Isabela City, Basilan, has reflected on the progress and transformation of the city over the past six years in her State of the City Address (Soca) on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
As she embarked on her third and final term of office, Hataman reminisced about the challenges Isabela City has faced, emerging from a long shadow of fear, division, and self-doubt.
"At that time, I carried not only the weight of leadership but also the burden of history, the voices of those long unheard, and the dreams of a city often overlooked and doubted, yet never losing hope," Hataman said, recalling her first Soca in 2019.
"We are a city full of dreams but 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 standing on stage for the first time, speaking to a community eager for change but questioning, "Is it really possible?"
In that moment, she silently dreamed and promised -- not just to the people but to herself -- that she would serve not for power or recognition, but to build a government that listens, cares, and genuinely participates in shaping the future.
Six years later, Hataman expressed gratitude for the renewed trust placed in her leadership by the Isabele os.
"You have chosen continuity-not just of unfinished dreams, but of proven service and leadership that has demonstrated not only competence but presence, compassion, and tangible results," she said.
The mayor emphasized that the gathering or Soca was not merely to report on projects and programs but to recognize the kind of city Isabela 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, courage, and place on the map of hope," she said.
She highlighted the achievements that define Isabela City's progress: "A legacy alive in every child who has learned to read because we brought books to their barangays; a legacy that grows with every tree we plant, every life we save, every business we inspire, and every road we build. This is not the legacy of one person-it is the legacy of a city that refused to be left behind and has now boldly chosen to lead."
She said Isabela City is no long just a newcomer since the city was officially reclassified as a third class component city, ascending from its previous fourth class status, which it held for 16 years.
"Our competitiveness was affirmed when we ranked from 103rd in 2019, Isabela City climbs to 64th out of 116 cities in 2024; making it the Second Most Competitive City in Zamboanga Peninsula two years in a row and 14th Most Competitive Component City in Mindanao in the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index," she said.
She said the most significant of all is that the poverty incidence of families has decreased from 41.6 percent in 2018 to just 10 percent in 2023, a clear proof that development is truly reaching homes and livelihoods.
The HAPIsabela Mobile Library completed outreach to all 45 barangays, serving 5,246 children (1,568 in 2024; 855 in 2025) as literacy remains a top priority of the City Government.
The Sakayan Kaalaman Program at Cabunbata Elementary achieved a 100 percent reading improvement rate for 97 learners, contributing to the city recording the highest functional literacy rate in Zamboanga Peninsula at 78.1 percent.
Hataman also emphasized the investment in peace and order, saying that this transformation has been made possible through strategic investment from an initial allocation of P5 million in 2020 to P21.3 million in 2025.
As a result, she said Isabela City has been recognized as the top performing local government unit in the Peace and Order Council Audit, the only awardee in the city category, and received the Outstanding Regional Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award in 2024.
Hataman's address resonated with the audience, inspiring hope and a collective commitment to continue the journey of progress and unity in Isabela City.
As she looks forward to her final term, Hataman stated, "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." (SunStar Zamboanga)