19/08/2025
CCI Joins 2025 Dagyaw Town Hall Meeting
Theme: Usapan: Enerhiya at Edukasyon para sa Lahat
Isabela City, Basilan β The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), successfully held the 2025 Dagyaw Open Government Town Hall Meeting on August 19, 2025 at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center, Barangay Binuangan, Isabela City, Basilan.
The term βDagyawβ, derived from the Hiligaynon word for bayanihan or working together, symbolizes the eventβs goal of strengthening collaboration, transparency, and participatory governance.
The program began with a Welcome Message from Mayor Turabin-Hataman who emphasized the importance of open dialogue between government and the people in shaping inclusive policies for education and energy. This was followed by the Opening Remarks from Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III, Regional Director of DILG IX , highlighting the role of Dagyaw as a platform for participatory governance. The Rationale of the Activity was then presented by Richard L. Villacorte, Program Manager II of the Support for the Local Governance Program PMO, DILG Central Office, underscoring the goal of strengthening collaboration among stakeholders through transparency and accountability.
An Inspirational Message was delivered by Hon. Mujiv Hataman, Governor of the Province of Basilan, who emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing key development challenges. He underscored that progress in education and energy can only be achieved through collective effort, where government, civil society, and the academe work hand in hand to build a more resilient and inclusive Basilan.
The first Town Hall Report on Education was presented by Dr. Janekin Hamoc, Senior Education Program Specialist, DepEd β Zamboanga City Division. Dr. Hamoc emphasized that the DepEd 5-Point Reform Agenda seeks to address the most pressing challenges of the education sector. These include addressing the classroom shortage, modernizing education through technology, empowering teachers, pursuing curriculum reform and academic excellence, and partnering for sustainable development to ensure inclusive and quality learning for all Filipino students.
The Town Hall Report on Energy was then delivered by Engr. Carmelo B. Cabuga, Chief of MFO-EPIMD, Department of Energy Mindanao, who underscored the governmentβs efforts to ensure energy security, accessibility, and sustainability in Mindanao. He discussed ongoing initiatives to stabilize power supply in island provinces like Basilan, promote investments in renewable energy sources, and develop long-term solutions such as microgrids and energy efficiency programs. Engr. Cabuga also highlighted the importance of community participation and local government collaboration in shaping energy policies that directly address the needs of vulnerable and off-grid communities.
The highlight of the gathering was the Open Dialogue, which brought together voices from the government, civil society, and academe. Among those who shared their insights were:
πDr. Reynajoyce B. Barutu, Education Program Supervisor for Filipino
πHon. Ahmed Djaliv Hataman, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member
πMiriam L. Suacito, Executive Director, Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc.
πMr. Geronimo M. Salomes Jr., Academe Representative, Claret College of Isabela, Inc.
Representing the youth sector, the Claret College of Isabela, Inc. (CCI) delegation actively took part in the event. The group included selected officers of the El Consejo Claretiano de Colegio (ECCC) and student leaders from various departments:
πEunizel Bucoy β ECCC President
πNathaniel Tubo β ECCC Vice President
πRhanee Cumayao β COED Department Vice President
πAllan Dulap β BSBA 1st Year Curricular Officer
πAngeline Diaz β BSSW Department Vice President
The 2025 Dagyaw Open Government Town Hall Meeting proved to be a meaningful platform for transparency, accountability, and participatory governance. It successfully brought together government leaders, educators, students, and civil society to discuss vital issues on education and energyβreinforcing the principle that nation-building is a shared responsibility.