In a move to deepen citizen engagement, Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman has unveiled plans to significantly expand the reach of his flagship public consultation program, "Usap Tayo Gob," throughout 2026.
A Shift to Mobile Governance
Governor Hataman made the pivotal announcement on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during the first "Usap Tayo" gathering of the year. The event was held at the Raayat (People's) Hall inside the Basilan Provincial Capitol in Sta. Clara village, Lamitan City.
Outlining a major operational shift, Hataman stated that the program's format will change. "I've changed this 'Usap Tayo Gob' -- I'll only speak here at the People's Capitol once a month," he explained. "Other times, I'll go around the barangays myself, because I want people to understand that I became governor because of you." This new strategy aims to decentralize the dialogue and bring the provincial government directly to the doorsteps of constituents.
Rooting Governance in the People
The "Usap Tayo" (Let's Talk) program is designed as a direct platform for Basileños to voice their concerns and learn about government initiatives. During the session, Hataman emphasized the core philosophy behind his hands-on approach.
"That's why we're doing this. I just want to prove that the government is human, and you are the government, so we will also find a solution," the Governor said. He also highlighted the intent to instill a culture of field presence among his staff, noting, "I also want to train my colleagues that they can't just be inside the office, and hunker down there for a week without meeting people."
Direct Dialogue with Communities
The inaugural 2026 forum successfully drew residents from various municipalities across Basilan. Attendees had the opportunity to raise local issues and discuss development initiatives directly with Governor Hataman and other provincial officials.
This expansion plan signals a committed push towards a more accessible and responsive provincial government, ensuring that governance is not confined to the capitol but actively seeks out the voices of the people it serves.
