Mayor highlights COVID

measures in her SOCA

Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia T. Hataman highlighted on her State of the City Address (SOCA) on July 15, 2020 the city government’s efforts against COVID-19 pandemic.

As Mayor Hataman presented and enumerated several development efforts of her administration, she recognized how the entire LGU worked together with the COVID-19 Task Force for the first 3 months that the Isabela City has maintained zero confirmed case on COVID-19.

The city executive enumerated 5 major actions of the city government against coronavirus diseases to include; Creation of Isabela City Anti-COVID19 Task Force, Intensifying Information Drive on COVID-19, Installation of Foot-Pedaled Hand-wash Stations, Disinfection/Decontamination Protocols and Procurement and Distribution of Medical Supplies, Medical Equipment and PPES.

Isabela City Anti-COVID19 TF was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 13-2020 signed on March 10, 2020 and took effect immediately. The TF comprises different government agencies and other stakeholders who are actively participating to strictly implement measures and guidelines to curb corona virus in the city.

Moreover, awareness on COVID-19 is also very important for the public to understand how they can contribute and manage the spread of the virus. Thus the City Government through the City Information Office utilized different platforms to reach the grassroots and learn about COVID-19. They produced posters and distributed to the 45 barangays and other public places. They also prepared radio plugs and announcements played at DXNO Radyo Komunidad and discussed more about COVID-19 during their radio program dubbed as “LGU Hour” at DXNO-FM.

Despite the sudden increase of confirmed cases in Isabela City and in the entire Basilan, Mayor Hataman urged all her constituents to cooperate with the government and do their part to protect themselves and their families.

“Huwag po tayong magalit sa mga umuuwi. Tahanan po nila ang Isabela City at stranded po yan. Imbes na magalit po tayo dahil may nagpositive na, gawin po natin yong parte natin. Sarili po natin alagaan natin at yong pamilya natin”, she said.

Mayor Hataman also reported the procurement of PPEs, facemasks, face shields, disinfectants and medical supplies intended primarily to equip frontliners in the city who are dealing with COVID-19 cases, respond to emergency situations and provide other basic services in times of COVID crisis.

She also recognized, acknowledged and extended her gratitude to some individuals and institutions who gave support to the city government, especially to her husband Congressman Mujiv Hataman who is giving full support in the city’s fight against COVID-19.

In addition, Mayor Hataman also reported the operationalization of some facilities in the city which were designated as Ligtas COVID Facility and Bayanihan Facility. These facilities cater to COVID-19 confirmed patients and Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) and Returning Overseas Filipinos who needed to undergo and comply with the mandatory quarantine of 14–21 days.

She revealed that Isabela City maintains two (2) facilities: the Ligtas COVID19 Quarantine Facility at Cabunbata with 30 bed capacity for those symptomatic patients and manned by 10 personnel and the HapIsabela Bayanihan Reception Facility at Barangay Begang with approximately 350 capacity for stranded persons.

Likewise, the LGU implements other efforts that help Basileños cope with the present situation. These efforts and initiatives include Isabela City Special Delivery Service, Palengke on Tour, Task Force JAGA (Bantay Dagat), Agri-Isabela Distribution of Seedlings and TelEdukasyon to promote and sustain education amidst the pandemic.

All these initiatives and efforts were also implemented and sustained with the support of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Isabela City led by vice mayor Kifli Hataman Salliman who passed several ordinances to supplement these measures against COVID-19. (RVC/NDR/PIA9-Basilan)