ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Jan. 18 (PIA) – The city government of Isabela City in Basilan has broken ground to symbolize the start of the construction of a three-storey building to house the local Schools Division Office of the Department of Education in Barangay Cabunbata.

Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman underscored the significance of the new building, stating that its organization and orderliness would significantly enhance employee performance.

Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman expressed his gratitude to the United Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-purpose Cooperative (UWARBMPC) for donating a one-hectare lot adjacent to the current location of Isabela City National High School. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between organizations such as DepEd and cooperatives for the city's development.

DepEd Regional Director Dr. Ruth Fuentes shared positive feedback about the new leadership of Schools Division Superintendent Jay Montealto, describing his impact as transformative and promising. She also encouraged learners and teachers in Isabela City to continue working hard and addressing immediate concerns in education.

Fuentes stressed that the groundbreaking ceremony not only marks a physical expansion but also signifies a renewed dedication to providing enhanced services and opportunities to the learners in Isabela City. She said that with the collaborative efforts of local government and educational institutions, the city is set to lead the way in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The soon to be constructed new DepEd Isabela City Division building has a total project costs of Php68, 380, 280.63  funded by the Department of Education. (NBE/NDR-PIA9 Basilan)