ISABELA CITY – About 100 women from Isabela City recently received basic self-defense training, enhancing their ability to protect themselves in case of danger.
Organized by the local government in collaboration with the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., the Isabela City Police Station and the Philippine Information Agency – Basilan, the activity aims to empower participants to protect themselves against potential threats in their everyday lives.
Mendry-Ann Lim, the City Information Officer and Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person, highlighted the significance of self-defense skills in building personal confidence and readiness.
“Understanding self-defense is crucial in today’s uncertain world. This training is not just about physical skills, it’s about fostering awareness and understanding of one’s environment. It empowers our employees to take charge of their safety and inspires others to do the same,” she stated in her opening remarks.
The practical self-defense session was led by Police Master Sgt. Jessel Ben Santua and Police Cpl. Algaber N. Arawangsa from the Isabela City Police Station, who focused on imparting actionable strategies for everyday situations.
Santua emphasized the RAR (recognize, assess and react) approach, teaching participants how to identify potential dangers, evaluate risks and respond effectively to threatening scenarios.
“Recognizing potential dangers and quickly assessing risk factors are fundamental steps in self-defense,” Santua elaborated.
The training exemplified a holistic approach, reinforcing that awareness and prevention are as critical as physical self-defense techniques.
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, in her message to the participants, acknowledged that self-defense is especially vital for women, who are statistically more vulnerable to various forms of violence. She announced plans to make self-defense training a regular initiative, underlining the city government’s commitment to creating a safer environment for all.
“We want our employees to feel safe and empowered, whether in the workplace, at home or out in the community,” Mayor Turabin-Hataman emphasized.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the invaluable training, noting that the knowledge gained would not only enhance their personal safety but also inspire them to advocate for self-defense and safety awareness within their communities. This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering a culture of safety, resilience and empowerment among women in Isabela City. (EDT/NDR/PIA9-Basilan)
