The Inaugural Session of the 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cotabato City

The Inaugural Session of the 15th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cotabato City on July 7 was truly a historic and memorable event. In lieu of the usual speeches of the councilors, the City Council gave way to representatives from different sectors in Cotabato City for them to express their sentiments and say their expectations of our newly elected city officials.

To all our friends from the various sectors, rest assured that all of your suggestions were duly noted and that the City Government of Cotabato, through our Sangguniang Panlungsod will try its best to formulate new laws and amend the old ones in order to better serve our fellow Cotabateños.

Once again, our heartfelt thanks for your continued love and support to the city government.

My sister, Vice Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, our city councilors, and I will work harder for a better and brighter Cotabato City. (Courtesy City Government of Cotabato Photo by Halima K. Satol-Ibrahim)

Sigay ka!

ARMM Ramadan Trade Fair 2016 officially concludes

The ARMM government officially concluded the Ramadan Trade Fair 2016 with a closing program Monday, July 4 inside the ARMM Compound in Cotabato City.

The partner agencies and exhibitors for the month-long trade fair were awarded with certificates of appreciation during the program.

As of June 27, the trade fair had total sales of P10.83 M since it opened on June 6. There were 59 food exhibitors and 15 non-food exhibitors.

Assistant Secretary Shalimar Candao of Department of Tourism-ARMM and Assistant Secretary Abubakar Datumanong of Department of Trade and Industry-ARMM served as the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, respectively, of ARMM Ramadan 2016.

(Bureau of Public Information – Mindanao Expose)

Bangsamoro Mass Iftar

COTABATO CITY (July 2, 2016)-- More or less 1000 people were served at the Bangsamoro Mass Iftar held at the People's Palace, Saturday.

Despite the heavy rainfall that Cotabato City experienced, dozens of people still flocked the city hall for the first ever mass Iftar held in the country. Several establishments, institutions, and organizations, to include the city government of Cotabato, the Darul Ifta, the Ulamas, city restaurants, and others, participated in the activity by donating hundreds of packed food.

Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Sheikh Abu Huraira Abdulrahman Udasan also gave Muhadhaea before the Iftar and after breaking fast, led the Magrib prayer.

The mass Iftar was still a successful event despite the low turn out of people (due to the bad weather). Dr. Danda Juanday, City Administrator said, what is important is that the activity has successfully conveyed to the people its message of unity and solidarity.

The city government of Cotabato wishes all the Muslim faithful in Cotabato City a peaceful celebration of the Eid'l Fitr. City Mayor Japal Guiani, Jr. reminds everyone to welcome the Eid solemnly without the use of any firecrackers and guns as these are extremely prohibited. Violators will be apprehended by the city police. (Halima K. Satol-Ibrahim)

South Upi VM wants a functional Sanggunian

TURN-OVER RITES --- Outgoing South Upi Mayor and now Vice Mayor Abdullah “Bedz” Campong, Al-hadj (seated) congratulates his successor Mayor Reynalbert O. Insular during inaugural ceremony last June 30 at the municipal gymnasium witnessed by municipal officials and  employees, residents, and organizational representatives. Standing with the two are outgoing SB member Lynda Erese (left) and Mary Elizabeth  Angot, private secretary to the outgoing municipal mayor. (Anne B. Acosta)

UPON assuming his elective post noontime last June 30, former mayor and now Vice Mayor Abdullah “Bedz” Campong of South Upi, Maguindanao said he will introduce changes at the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) so the municipal legislature be a functional entity of the people it serves.

As SB presiding officer, Campong, in an interview by this paper, said he will implement the rule of the conduct of weekly regular session, emphasizing the full attendance of the council members.

“Absenteism is strictly prohibited under my governance,” the vice mayor stressed as one point of a functional legislative body.

Ridding the council of habitual absenteeism, Campong said SB members will rotate as “officer of the day” from Monday to Friday so each can attend to the office businesses and feel the ways how a government body is administered.

To be effective legislators, he said the SB members have to undergo training on legislation and governance and “how to preside over meetings” as these are fundaments in discharging the functions of elected municipal officials or kagawads.

He said there is no sense for some members to belong to the silent majority since every kagawad has to speak up in behalf of the people and lead the functional committee they hold in the chamber for deliberation of issues and how to address municipal concerns.

Campong said every member has to act independently as an official and not merely rely on the chief of office who cannot always be around as he has other functions to attend. “If there is wrong in that system, then he will fix as soon as he can.”

In the inaugural, Campong officially handed over the ceremonial key to Reynalbert O. Insular as the new mayor of South Upi as the former also received the key to the SB.

Mayor Insular expressed gratefulness for the trust and support given him for his election as municipal chief executive, stressing his ascendancy is for the service of his constituents. (Anne B. Acosta and Zubaida P. Malawani)