The 'Ropa Rampa' project was selected as a Lungsod Lunsad program due to its capacity to serve as a catalyst for economic growth. The event not only provided opportunities for local weavers but also highlighted the role of women in preserving cultural heritage. 

In her message, Director Grace Aduca of Department of Trade and Industry IX commended Isabela City for its initiative as one of the three selected local government units spearheading the impactful Lungsod Lunsad program under the visionary leadership of the competitiveness innovation group of the Department of Trade and Industry.

“We applaud the positive response exhibited across all programs, projects, and activities of the department,” Director Aduca expressed.

Aduca further emphasized that the Lungsod Lunsad, a flagship project under the Malikhaing Pinoy Program of the department, is poised to elevate the fashion and design landscape of Isabela City de Basilan.

Mayor  Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman expressed her excitement about joining the creative industry while emphasizing the importance of understanding the essence and significance of traditional textiles such as the Tennun and Tepo. She challenged the crowd to follow Isabeleños' lead in contributing to any endeavor.

“Masaya po tayo na maging aktibo dito and at the same time, malalim nating pinag-aaralan ang kahulugan at essence ng Tennun at Tepo and we hope na sa pagsama po natin sa creative industry, hindi lang po yong creativity ang maibabahagi natin kundi pati yong kaluluwa ng ating pagkakakilanlan. Kung ano po ba ang malalim na simbolo ng ating mga heritage, tulad po ng Tennun at ng Tepo. [We are very happy to be active here, and at the same time, we deeply study the meaning and essence of Tennun and Tepo, and we hope that as we participate in this creative industry, it is not only the creativity that we are going to share but the spirit of our identity],” Mayor Turabin-Hataman stressed.

The fashion show was filled with extravagance and spectacle, with local artists captivating the audience with their creativity and talent. The judges, including PIA IX ARD Rene Carbayas, DTI Provincial Director Grace D.C. Aduca, couturier Erich Miñoza, Basilan Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Rosebelle Sanson, Executive Assistant to the Basilan Vice Governor Moh. Noore Ladjagais, Fe Carna Jabaran, and Melvin Maverick Oyao, evaluated the participants based on concept and design, artistry, color combination and creativity, ingenuity and craftsmanship, skillful workmanship of creation, display, and execution during pre-judging, and fashion show.