GENERAL SANTOS CITY (28 July 2013) - Mayor Ronnel Rivera has assured the Muslim and Indigenous People (IP) in the city that they have his full support in their aim to install an IP representative in the local Sangguniang Panlungsod as mandated by law.
In a forum on “Muslim and Tri-People Situation in General Santos City” Friday (July 26), the mayor bared that plans are already being laid out to reserve one seat in the city council to represent the members of the Muslims and IPs.
Rivera said the selection of the representative will be based on the approval and recommendation of the parties concerned.
“The representative for the indigenous community will not be endorsed by the ELA or by the SP, but rather it will come from your collective recommendation,” Rivera added.
According to the mayor, the issue was already discussed during the preliminary meetings of the local government with regards to the crafting of the Executive, Legislative Agenda (ELA) of the city.
A measure was passed in the last Sangguniang Panlungsod that would have installed a member of the IP as one of the representatives in the City Council but the proposed ordinance was struck down by the ruling majority.
Mayor Rivera pointed out he will incorporate the culture and ideals for the community peace-building process as proposed by the local Muslim and tribal leaders; and is actually planning to create offices for both Muslim and IP groups in the city to ensure that there will be proper treatment for each sector.
In the forum, Rivera also addressed concerns regarding health and education for the ethnic groups.
The forum was also participated in by various ethnic groups in Gensan such as Blaans , Maranaos, Maguindanaons, Tausugs and Tbolis.
The forum was organized by Atty. Isnira Baginda and Abdul Mutalib Esmael together with the other Muslim and IP representatives. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John Lagare)
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