Karel R. Sakkalahul

𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗚𝗞𝗢𝗟 𝗦𝗔 𝗞𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗧 𝗞𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗡 𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗚𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗞𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗡 (𝗣𝗪𝗗)

Bismillahi Rahman Neerahim

Assalamualaykum Warahma Tullahi Wabarakatuh

Magandang araw po sa ating lahat, lalung-lalo na sa ating kagalang-galang na Punong Lungsod, mga kasamahan sa Sangguniang Panlungsod, mga opisyal mula sa iba’t ibang tanggapan, at mga minamahal nating kababayan.

Ako po ay tumatayo ngayon hindi lamang bilang inyong lingkod-bayan, kundi bilang boses ng isang sektor na madalas ay hindi naririnig—ang ating mga kapatid na Differently Abled Persons o mga taong may kapansanan.

Ang mga PWD ay hindi hadlang sa pag-unlad ng lipunan. Sila ay may kakayahan, may pangarap, at may karapatan—katulad ng bawat isa sa atin. Sa kabila ng mga hamon na kanilang kinakaharap araw-araw—mula sa kawalan ng access sa edukasyon, kabuhayan, transportasyon, at serbisyong medikal—hindi natin matatawaran ang kanilang tapang at determinasyon na maging kapaki-pakinabang na miyembro ng komunidad.

Sa Isabela City, kitang-kita po natin ang aktibong partisipasyon ng mga PWD sa mga gawaing pang-komunidad. Sa katatapos lamang na National Disability Rights Week, ipinamalas ng ating mga kapatid na may kapansanan ang kanilang talento, galing, at kakayahang makiisa sa mga aktibidad gaya ng cooking competition, sports challenge, PWD Got Talent, at maging sa mga inisyatibong pangkalikasan tulad ng Coffee Tree Planting.
Isang malaking bahagi ng tagumpay ng mga gawaing ito ay dahil sa pamumuno at malasakit ng ating PDAO President na si Ma’am Gemma Casas-Paculio, gayundin ang suporta ng City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) at Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).

Ngunit hindi pa po ito sapat.

Kailangan natin ng mas matibay na suporta mula sa bawat antas ng pamahalaan. Kailangan nating paigtingin ang paggamit ng PWD Desk sa bawat isa sa ating 45 barangay. Ito ay upang masig**o na ang mga PWD sa komunidad ay nabibigyan ng pansin, serbisyo, at oportunidad na nararapat sa kanila.

Ipinapanukala ko rin na isaalang-alang natin ang:
1. Paglalaan ng karagdagang pondo para sa mga PWD programs sa ilalim ng annual budget;
2. Pagsasagawa ng regular na PWD profiling sa barangay level;
3. Pagbibigay ng skills training at livelihood assistance;
4. At higit sa lahat, ang pagpapatuloy ng mga programang makatao at inklusibo.

Sa pagtatapos po ng aking talumpati, nais kong hikayatin ang bawat isa—mula sa mga opisyal ng barangay, mga lider ng komunidad, at maging tayong mga halal na opisyal—na gawin nating layunin ang pagbuo ng isang lungsod na tunay na makatao, inklusibo, at may malasakit sa lahat, anuman ang kanilang kalagayan.

Mga kasama sa serbisyo publiko, ang tunay na sukatan ng pag-unlad ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa imprastraktura o ekonomiya, kundi sa kung paano natin pinangangalagaan ang pinaka-nangangailangan at pinaka-naiiwan.

Sa mga Persons with Disabilities ng Isabela City—kami po ay kasama ninyo, karamay ninyo, at katuwang ninyo.

Maraming salamat po at mabuhay ang bawat Isa!

Isa nanamang produktibong araw noong July 25, 2025, tayo naman ay nakilahok sa pagtatanim ng kape sa Barangay Panunsulan kasama ang iilan sa ating mga kapatid na differently abled persons.

Kasama din po natin si Konsehal Jeromy Jay Casas, ang ating partner sa Coffee Planting na sina Ma’am Doree Ann Brown at Sir Lee Brown, mga g**o ng Special Need Education (SNED), CSWD Team sa pangunguna ng CSWD Officer Ma’am Nor-Aina Asmara at Sir Robert Arseña, PWD Officer Ma’am Gemma Casas-Paculio, PWD Focal Sir Renwick Estrada, mga kapulisan mula sa Isabela City Police Station.

Hanggang sa muling pagtatanim!

𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐖 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 | 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Isang karangalan ang maging bahagi ng Sports Challenge para sa mga kapatid nating may kapansanan noong July 22, 2025 sa Cabunbata Open Field at Isabela City Gym na kung saan tayo ay nakilahok sa larong Bocce at Goal Ball.

Ang mga larong ito ay nagsilbing inspirasyon sa atin sa patuloy na pag suporta sa ating mga kapwa Isabeleño lalo na para sa ating mga kapatid na differently abled persons.

Malugod na nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga naging bahagi National Disability Rights Week Sports Challenge kabilang na rito ang ating Punong Ina ng Bayan na si Hon. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, ang ating PWD Officer na si Ate Gemma Casas Paculio, CSWD Officer Ma’am Nor Aina Asmara, PWD Focal Sir Renwick Estrada, Sir Robert Arseña, Sir Aziz Dapilin, CSWD Team, mga SNED (Special Need Education) Teachers ng ICEPS at ICES, 45 PWD Federation Presidents of Isabela City at sa mga magulang—Muli, Maraming salamat po.

𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Mr. Chair, I rise today on a matter of personal and collective privilege—one that underscores the growing significance of tourism as a vital catalyst for socio-economic transformation in our beloved Isabela City and the entire Province of Basilan.

Honorable Members of this August Chamber, Ladies and Gentlemen:

I rise with deep pride and firm conviction to speak about the immense and evolving potential of tourism in our province, specifically, Isabela City. Tourism is not merely the showcasing of our scenic landscapes or vibrant cultural heritage—it is a powerful engine for economic development, livelihood creation, and social unity. And today, we are beginning to witness the visible results of our shared aspirations.

Thanks to the unwavering support of the City Government of Isabela, the active engagement of our local stakeholders, and the resilience of our people, what was once a distant vision is now becoming a reality. Isabela is no longer just a transit point; it is becoming a true destination. A city that proudly stands as a beacon of peace, beauty, and hope in our region.

As Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification for the past six years, I have been privileged to witness first-hand the transformational leadership of our Dear Mayor, Hon. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman. Through deliberate planning, strategic investments, and community-based tourism programs, the local government has created an enabling environment for tourism to thrive.

These efforts have not only opened doors to new livelihood opportunities but have also stimulated local business activities and ignited a renewed sense of pride among our people.

Allow me to share a few significant milestones:

- [ ] Revitalization of local parks and heritage sites, turning neglected areas into vibrant community spaces;
- [ ] Successful hosting of cultural events, like the Sakayan Festival, which celebrates our rich diversity and maritime culture;
- [ ] Promotion of eco-tourism destinations, including our pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls, and scenic mountain trails;
- [ ] And the progressive amendments to our City Tourism Code, including the official renaming of the Cocowayan Festival to the now-iconic Sakayan Festival.

These are not just events or projects. These are investments in our people, our identity, and our future.

As I formally step down from my role as Chairperson of this committee, I wish to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude:

To the City Tourism Office, ably led by Sir Claudio Ramos, thank you for your unwavering commitment, creative vision, and relentless hard work in promoting our city’s potential.

To Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, whose leadership continues to transform Isabela into a city of peace and promise—your vision and dedication have laid a strong foundation for future generations.

And to all our partners, stakeholders, and every Isabeleño who contributed to this journey—maraming salamat po. This is our shared legacy.

Let us all remember: Tourism is not a luxury for Basilan, It is a necessity. It is our path to peace, our bridge to unity, and our foundation for inclusive development

With confidence and hope, I warmly welcome the new Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification, 𝙃𝙤𝙣. 𝘼𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙚𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚-𝙐𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙢. I believe in your potential and trust that you will build upon the gains we have made, bringing fresh ideas and new energy to this vital sector.

Let us continue to support local initiatives and let the world discover the beauty, culture, and strength of Basilan.

Thank you.

Wassalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

‘𝗣𝗔𝗚 𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗡’ 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 | 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

As this representation begins my final term as City Councilor, I remain committed to advancing the welfare of 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏, 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 in our beloved city.

On July 2, 2025, this representation spearheaded the ‘Pag-Atiman’ Feeding Program and Dental Health Care Mission, benefiting a total of 38 preschoolers from Barangay San Rafael.

In collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), led by Ms. Nor-Aina Asmara, and the City Health Office (CHO) – Dental Unit, under the leadership of Dr. Manar Saliddin, this initiative reflects the essence of the Cebuano term "Pag-Atiman", which means "Care" in English. The goal of this program is to promote better nutrition and support the oral health of our young Isabeleños.

As the Chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, and Family Affairs, this representation underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration to prioritize children's health services. We are committed to sustaining programs that:

Reduce malnutrition through regular nutritional feeding initiatives, and provide accessible dental health services, especially for children with limited access to regular check-ups and treatment.

This event was made more impactful through the dedication of key community members. I would like to commend Child Development Worker Isabel Juanillo, with the valuable assistance of the Barangay Health Workers of San Rafael, for their active role in the feeding session. After serving the nutritious meals, they helped facilitate the distribution of free dental kits, followed by a demonstration of oral fluoride application conducted by the CHO Dental Unit Team.

We also acknowledge the support of Barangay Chairperson Kap. Shatra Uto Alih, who was ably represented by Kagawad Carmani Alamsahi, together with Secretary Roque Palermo, and the other barangay officials, health workers, and barangay tanods who ensured the smooth conduct of the activity.

Through this collaborative effort, we not only provided immediate care but also sowed seeds of long-term wellness and awareness among the children and their families.

This representation reiterates its strong commitment to continue implementing community-based health programs that protect and uplift the lives of the most vulnerable sectors—especially our children.

𝟵𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗚𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗚𝗦𝗢𝗗
𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 | 𝗝𝗨𝗟𝗬 𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Noong Hulyo 3, 2025, ang 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod ay nagkaroon ng maiden session at ang inyong lingkod ay nagkaroon ng oportunidad upang magbigay ng Inaugural Speech.

Muli, tayo ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga sumuporta, nagdasal at patuloy nagmahal at nagtitiwala sa atin.

Nawa’y bigyan pa tayo ng sapat na lakas at gabayan ng Allah swt sa ating tungkulin at responsibilidad bilang lingkod bayan.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗷𝗮𝗶𝘇𝗮 𝗥. 𝗦𝗮𝗸𝗸𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗵𝘂𝗹!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations on your reappointment as Chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, and Family and Chairperson of the Committee on Social Services. Your continued leadership is a testament to your unwavering dedication to public service and advocacy for the welfare of our communities.

We are truly delighted and look forward to working with you once again to strengthen and expand our social welfare services. Your passion and commitment continue to inspire us all.

Mabuhay, and more power to your leadership!