ISABELA City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman described her inauguration into a third term in office as the continuation of a collective journey built on trust and anchored in governance rooted in empathy, participation, and accountability—not merely the start of a new term.
Reflecting on her first two terms, Hataman highlighted how her administration rebuilt systems, empowered communities, and made government services more inclusive, transparent, and accessible to every household.
“We turned silence into action and skepticism into engagement,” Hataman said in her inaugural address on Monday, June 30.
She accepted with deep humility and renewed resolve the responsibility that Isabeleños have entrusted her with as she enters her third term.
Hataman said they will not slow down in public service and will work to complete what needs to be accomplished.
“We will leave behind a government that is truly ours,” she added.
In closing her inaugural address, Hataman expressed her deep personal connection to the city, saying: “I am one of you—a mother, a daughter, a neighbour, an Isabeleño.”
Meanwhile, the newly elected members of the Isabela City Council were also formally introduced during the inauguration ceremony. They include a mix of reelected and first-time public servants: Jeromy Casas, Yusop Abubakar, James Abner Rodriguez, Alexis Ututalum, Ameen Camlian, Jashim Tiplani, Sara Ismael, Khaleedsher Asarul, Haizer Salain, and Karel Annjaiza Sakkalahul. (SunStar Zamboanga)