City government brings back the sidewalk to the pedestrians

COTBATO CITY (September 30, 2016) --  In an extensive operation conducted by the city government of Cotabato, together with the elements of the city police in some barangays officials, sidewalks all around the downtown area of this city has been cleared of illegal vendors.

This operation is following the national clean-up drive, an activity spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government last September. A task force has been created by the local government to take on the responsibility of monitoring these sidewalk vendors and confiscating their stalls every time they put it up.

City Administrator Dr. Danda N. Juanday said this was not an abrupt or a sudden operation. Initial warnings were already given to these illegal vendors months before the operation and just last August, they were already given notices to vacate their positions or else they will be subject to a clearing operation.

Illegal stalls along the sidewalks of Don Rufino Alonzo Street, Sinsuat Avenue, and Japal J. Guiani, Sr. Street have already been removed by the task force and are continuously being monitored to make sure that these illegal structures will not be returned in these locations.

“We only implement what the law prescribes. We call these structures illegal because they operate without permits and the city government cannot issue business permits to stalls that are operating on sidewalks. We have often reminded them to just sell their products inside our markets and pay their necessary fees” Dr. Juanday said.

He also added that the clearing operation aimed to give back the sidewalks to the pedestrians. It has been often complained by concerned citizens of this city that most sidewalks were already occupied by illegal vendors so they are not able to pass by smoothly. Others also raised concerns about security and safety issues.

City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said these illegal structures can be hiding spots of thieves and if left unnoticed, terrorists can easily leave explosive devices in these areas.

“The city government is only doing all it can to protect our citizens. Rest assured that these operations are in compliance with the law. Here in Cotabato City, we make sure that the rule of law prevails. Ginagawaan na lang po natin ng paraan kung paano natin matulungan ang mga apektado ng ating clearing operations” Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

(HALIMA K. SATOL-IBRAHIM/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Awarding ceremony of CSC-ARMM's 2016 honor awards program

The celebration of the 116th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary in the ARMM culminated with the awarding of the 2016 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.

The awarding, dubbed as Honor Awards Program, is an annual undertaking of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) that recognizes government officials and employees who have displayed outstanding work performance. The conferment of honor awards aims to motivate or inspire government employees to improve the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service.

The Dangal ng Bayan awardees were Lanie Acoy Castanares, municipal civil registrar of Datu Abdullah Sangki town in Maguindanao; SFO1 Wagner Kamlian, MPA, municipal fire marshal of Bongao Central Fire Station in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; and Kanggo Umal, regional treasurer of the ARMM's Office of the Regional Treasury.

The CSC Pagasa Award - Individual Category awardees were Engr. Soler Undug, district engineer of Baslilan; Rosita Furigay, mayor of Lamitan City, Basilan; and Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, ARMM's secretary of Health Department.

The Cadastral Survey Team of the ARMM's Environment and Natural Resources received the CSC Pagasa Award - Group Category that include DENR-ARMM Secretary Kahal Kedtag, Asst. Secretary Alindatu Pagayao, and Engr. Allan Diansuy, Atty. Badrodin Pacasem, and Engr. Charlene Pascual as members.

Winners of the Inter-Agency Sportsfest were also awarded in the ceremony. The celebration held the theme "Sigaw ng Lingkod Bayani: Malasakit Para sa Taumbayan, Kapwa Kawani, at Kalikasan."

(BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

7TH DAY KANDULI OF THE LATE MAYOR JAPAL J. GUIANI, JR.

Cotabato City -- Today September 29, 2016  we remember once again the life of our dear Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr as thousands of friends, relatives, supporters, and allies gather together for his 7th day kanduli.

Messages and stories of how Mayor Jojo was as a father, brother, uncle, and grandfather warmed the hearts of many.

Mayor Jojo Guiani was remembered as an affectionate son, a caring brother, a strict father and uncle, and a dedicated public servant. He is best remembered for his strong will to serve and his genuine love for the people of Cotabato City.

Under his determined leadership, Cotabato City has slowly been recognized by national award giving bodies. Several programs and projects have been poured in by both government and non government agencies in the past 6 years because of the trustworthy governance of Mayor Guiani. (CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

OCD-ARMM holds DRRM executive course for local execs

Datu Odin Sinsuat, MAGUINDANAO- The Office of Civil Defense-ARMM has conducted on 27 September 2016 a one-day Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Executive Course for the Local Chief Executives of Maguindanao Province.

The event held at the Officers Club of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army were participated in by various local leaders from the province’s thirty-six (36) municipalities.

Leo T. Alicias, Assistant Regional Director of OCD-ARMM, said it is known to many that our country is vulnerable to both natural disasters and human induced activities. He said the general objective of the course is to enhance the participants’ knowledge on DRRM.

“We are situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire and with our geographic location, the country frequently experience natural hazards such as typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. Alongside these natural disasters, human induced activities such as the recurring armed conflict in our area also pose a threat. When these disasters occur, it is important that the LGUs are equipped with various knowledge and skill when it comes to disaster risk reduction and management,” said Alicias.

Accordingly, the specific objectives of the activity are as follows: Understand the current Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) System, its institutional and operating mechanisms, and priority projects and activities, including sound understanding of the RA10121 and specifics on the four DRRM thematic areas; Contextualize their job with current development trends and strategies in DRRM; Understand what the NDRRMC is for and explain the communication/ information flow in the NDRRMC Operation Center; and have a deeper understanding on the various processes of proper budgeting, utilization, liquidation, and accountability of the Local DRRM Fund.

Engr. Amier Ashan K. Aplal, Operations Officer of OCD-ARMM discussed the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System (PDRRMS) putting emphasis on the four (4) thematic areas of the DRRM.

Lininding M. Lao, Director II for Technical Services of the DILG-ARMM has lectured on the Functionality of the Local Government Units.

Rasdy M. Guiling, State Auditor IV of the Commission on Audit- ARMM discussed about the guidelines on the Use of LDRRMF which includes usage policies, coverage, purposes, sources and allocations, utilization, accounting and reporting guidelines.

Puasa Z. Enok, DRRM Focal Person of DSWD-ARMM, has lectured about the

Disaster Response, the Internally Displaced People (IDPs), Evacuation Centers (ECs), manpower as well as facilities needed in evacuation centers and its management, and the provision of basic services in ECs, camp management as well as information management.

Jimmy G. Hedesin, DRRM Focal Person for DOST-ARMM discussed about the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation focusing on the role of DOST in the RDRRMC-ARMM.

Palawan T. Mamaon, DRRM Focal Person of RPDO-ARMM has lectured about the Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Coordination Mechanism and discussed protocol of rehabilitation and recovery, coordination mechanism on categories of the Barangay, Municipal, Provincial, Regional and National levels in order to identify responsibility of each levels.

The RA10121 is an act strengthening the PDRRMS, providing for the national disaster risk reduction and management framework and institutionalizing the national disaster risk reduction and management plan. This Act is commonly known as the ''Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

Alicias said the RA 10121 aims to uphold the people's constitutional rights to life and property by addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the country's institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management and building the resilience of local communities to disasters including climate change impacts.

“Another reason is to adopt a disaster risk reduction and management approach that is holistic, comprehensive, integrated, and proactive in lessening the socio economic and environmental impacts of disasters including climate change, and promote the involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all levels, most especially in the local communities,” said Alicias.

Alicias added the activity is relevant in strengthening the capacity of the local government units (LGUs), together with partner stakeholders, to build the disaster resilience of communities, and' to institutionalize arrangements and measures for reducing disaster risks, including projected climate risks, and enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities. (GILMHAR A. LAO, Information Officer-OCD ARMM/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Sultan Mastura joins #pagyanig challenge 2016

Datu Odin Sinsuat, MAGUINDANAO- At least three hundred (300) students from Solon National High School have participated on 28 September 2016 during the conduct of the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) spearheaded by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Sultan Mastura.

Datu Jun Glang, MDRRMO of Sultan Mastura, said that as part of the Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM) the earthquake drill was implemented with the objective to enhance preparedness among the students, and assess the response mechanism of the MDRRMC.

Glang said it is essential to truly understand the procedures for there is no warning when an earthquake could take place.

“We should continuously educate our constituents on what to do should an earthquake takes place in no time,” said Glang.

Earthquakes are unique challenges to our communities. Unlike other natural or man-made hazards, it occurs with no warning. But with proper training and advance proper planning, our communities can be prepared to react appropriately during and after an earthquake. (GILMHAR A. LAO, Information Officer-OCD ARMM/MINDANAO EXPOSE’) (Photos Courtesy of Datu Jun Glang)

Geo-Tagging System to track all Government Projects in the City

City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi thanked the National Economic and Development Authority for spearheading the Geo-Tagging System Training for the Project Monitoring Committee of the City Government of Cotabato on Monday, September 26, 2016.

Geo-tagging is the process of adding geographical information to various medium in metadata form. The said data consist of coordinates such as latitude and longitude that includes the altitude, distance, and the name of the place to track. In other words, Geo-Tagging is a system that can trace or track the exact location of a place and can easily be uploaded to the internet and can be accessed by the general public.

"In case of city projects, the officer in-charged will capture a photo using Geo-Tagging system, through this we can monitor and evaluate uprising projects in the city based on its actual progress," explained by Mayor Guiani-Sayadi

City Mayor Guiani-Sayadi also reminded all participants of the said training on how important the accuracy of every development built in the City; "Let us bear in mind that every centavo spent on a development project is the people's money... We in the government service have a sworn duty to see to it that the people's money is spent properly and that all government expenditures are transparent," added by the official.

The training started on Monday and is expected to end on Thursday. (CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

ARMM defends budget, proves mettle in house committee hearing

Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) began defending the proposed regional budget for 2017 in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 28, 2016.

Said ARMM officials presented the budget to the committee on appropriations in a pre-plenary hearing led by Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, vice chairperson of the said committee.

Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman addressed the recommendations of the national Commission on Audit (COA) regarding the ARMM budget pegged at P40.573 billion, the biggest budget proposal in the history of the region.

“We acknowledge the COA report and we have a response for every comment on our budget,” said Hataman.

He also noted that the regional government has already complied with the audit observation of the COA. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

OCD ARMM, Upi MDRRMC spearhead 3rd nationwide shake drill

Datu Odin Sinsuat, MAGUINDANAO- At least five thousand (5,000) individuals have participated, 28 September 2016 during the conduct of the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense-ARMM together with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Upi, this province.

Josefino Dabuco, MDRRMO of Upi, said the Simulation Exercise participated in by the MDRRM Council of Upi together with the different government line agencies, civil society organizations, people’s organization and the academe covers at least four (4) scenarios, Earthquake, Fire, Bombing, and Vehicular Accidents.

“Let me extend my deepest thanks to the different agencies who took part in the success of our activity, the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippines Marines (MBLT 5), Philippine Army, Municipal Health Office/ Rural Health Unit, Upi Muslim Consultative Assembly, Task Force Kasama/ REACT UPLAND, DepEd North and West Districts, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Youth Organizations, Civil Society Organizations/ Peoples Organizations, Local Government Unit Employees, and the Barangay Officials from the twenty-three (23) Barangays of the town with their respective BERT/BPATS,” said Dabuco.

Meanwhile, Dabuco added that the academe have had their fair contributions during the conduct of the drill where thousands of students coming from the different schools, both from private and public have accepted the #Pagyanig Challenge.

“Schools that took part during the drill include Upi Agricultural School, Notre Dame of Upi High School, St. Francis High School, Nuro Elementary School and the rest of the twenty-three (23) schools coming from the twenty-three Barangays of the municipality,” said Dabuco.

Leo T. Alicias, Officer-in-Charge of OCD-ARMM, emphasized the importance of advance warning of an earthquake, so it is only a must take on serious security measures ahead of time and be able to learn how to properly respond.

“I take this opportune time to sincerely thank the MDRRMC of Upi and the rest of the actors which resulted to the success of this very significant event. Until the next quarter, let’s do the DUCK, COVER, and HOLD once more,” said Alicias.

Engr. Amier Ashan Aplal, Operations Officer of OCD-ARMM, said it is essential to understand the procedures so we can save more lives.

“When you are situated indoor and a large earthquake occurs, you should avoid moving objects, objects that may fall from, and even broken glass. If you are outside, find an open space and avoid buildings and trees. Keep a safe distance from man-made structures that are taller than you and do the duck and cover head at least with hands. For some who maybe are driving along the streets, you should temporarily stop your automobiles in a safe place,” said Aplal.

Accordingly, earthquakes are unique challenges to our communities. Unlike other natural or man-made hazards, it occurs with no warning. But with proper training and advance proper planning, our communities can be prepared to react appropriately during and after an earthquake.

Members of the evaluation team during the drill include representatives from OCD-ARMM, PAGASA, DILG-ARMM, and BFP-ARMM. (GILMHAR A. LAO, Information Officer-OCD ARMM/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Nationwide Earthquake Drill

The ARMM’s Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (ARMM-HEART) conducted an earthquake drill, September 28 at the NEDA building inside the ARMM Compound in Cotabato City.

The activity was in line with the national simultaneous quake drill. It was attended by the employees in the region.

The simultaneous earthquake drill aims to test, assess, validate and evaluate the actual ground set-up of the local emergency operation centers and communication system, and to strengthen and align all existing concept of response cluster particularly with the first response. (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Third day Taji'ah kanduli of the late Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr.

Cotabato City - Third day Taji'ah kanduli of the late Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr.

Thousands of family, friends, relatives, and supporters flock the Cotabato City Institute gymnasium, Sunday September 25, 2016, to commemorate the third day of the death of the late Mayor Honorable Japal Juanday Guiani, Jr.

In the Muslim tradition, the death of a loved one is remembered through a "kanduli" on the third, seventh, fortieth, and one hundredth day of his or her death.

On Sunday morning, people come and go at the CCI gymnasium to extend their condolences to the family and to remember the life of the late mayor. His sister, Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi now Mayor of the city, by virtue of the law of succession, is overwhelmed by the love and well wishes that everyone is extending to the family. She said this is only proof that her brother, the late Mayor Jojo Guiani, has touched the lives of many people during his lifetime.

"Our brother truly lived a beautiful life. He was one to extend a helping hand whenever it was needed by the people. Hindi siya namimili ng mga taong tutulungan niya and that's what most people remember about him", Atty. Guiani-Sayadi said.

On Friday, a day after the passing of the late Mayor, despite still grieving the loss of a great man, the Guiani family and the rest of the city government had to conduct the oath taking of the new Mayor, Vice Mayor, and City Councilor of Cotabato City to avoid what the law calls as "vacuum of position".

The law states that every position that is vacated by the previous occupant must be immediately succeeded to avoid the delay of the delivery of basic services.

With a heavy heart, City Vice Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi takes her oath as the new Mayor of Cotabato City. First Councilor Graham Nazer G. Dumama also took his oath as the city's Vice Mayor. Mayor Guiani's only son Japal G. Guiani, III also took his oath as the new member of the city council.

The oath taking ceremony, supposed to be a celebration of new leadership, was the exact opposite. Sadness filled the city hall's lobby and those who attended the occasion became very emotional especially when the tribute video presentation for the late Mayor Guiani was played.

In her acceptance speech, new City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi expressed her sorrow over the passing of her brother. But amidst the flow of emotions, she promised to continue what has been started by Mayor Guiani and steer further the city government on his peace and order, socio-economic, and development thrusts.

"It is not easy. We are still extremely hurting but we have to be strong for the sake of our people. My brother would want us to carry on and not be clouded by our emotions. He would always put his fellow Cotabateños first and that is what we are trying to do", she said.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi also has words for those who mis-interpreted the oath taking occasion.

"This doesn't mean that we are already celebrating. It hurts us even more to know that there are people who think this way. I hope that some people would at least give our family the support that we really need in this time of sorrow instead of saying things that can worsen the pain", Mayor Guiani-Sayadi added.

She also appeals to all the Cotabateños to give her the same support as they have her brother. She assures everyone that the Guiani legacy will live on and no matter how big the shoes she has to fill in, she will give her best in fulfilling her duties as the new mother of Cotabato City. (CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Mayor Atty. Guiani-Sayadi meets with the department heads

Cotabato City (September 23, 2016) - Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi meets with the department heads of the City Government of Cotabato for the weekly executive meeting to listen to and take note of the problems and requests of each office .

These requests, as long as these are for the betterment of the delivery of services to the constituents of Cotabato City, will be given solutions as much as the budget of the city government can still accommodate.

As much as the city government is still grieving the loss of the late City Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr., the services and tasks must still go on and each department must continue to work to cope with the fast changing time.

Cotabato City has more to accomplish in order to be more competitive in the years to come. It is aiming to reach the target of 1 BILLION PESO income before the year 2019. From the mere 300 million income of the city in 2010 it is now at more than 800 million pesos in 2016. (CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Guiani-Sayadi succeeds brother

SUCCESSION --- Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, in ceremonies held at the People’s Palace, takes her oath September 23 as mayor of Cotabato City before RTC Judge Bansawan Ibrahim as she succeeds the late mayor Japal Guiani, Jr.  following his demise in Davao City last September 22. Graham Nazer G. Dumama (inset), voted as the first councillor, is now the vice mayor while Japal G. Guiani III (inset) is the appointed  city councillor to fill the vacancy in the Sangguniang Panlungsod.  (Photo by Anne B. Acosta)

COTABATO CITY - Cotabato City Vice Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi and Councilor Graham Dumama have assumed last week as city mayor and city vice mayor, respectively.

This after a natural vacancy occurred at the city government following the death Thursday (September 22) of Mayor Japal Giani, Jr. due to cardiac arrest in a hospital in Davao City.

Sayadi, Guiani's younger sister, and Dumama, took their oath of office before Judge Bansawan Ibrahim of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 here.

Sayadi told reporters that before Guiani passed away, he repeatedly reminded local officials “to perform what is expected of them by the people.”

Sayadi vowed to continue what her brother has started since he became city mayor in 2010, when he envisioned the city to be free from illegal drugs, investment haven, and peaceful and orderly  for the benefit of Cotabateños.

During Guiani's term, the city's economy has greatly improved with the coming in of malls and other investments, including employment opportunities.

While still alive, he directed Sayadi to push for the campaign against illegal drug activities. (PNA - Cotabato)

Mourning

Local communities mourned the demise just after dawn Thursday last week of Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani, Jr. who was in his third and last term as chief executive here.

He was one of the sibs of the late Judge Japal Guiani and then commissioner of the Commission on Elections.

Guiani, 56, is popular for his having lured foreign and local investors to put up capital-intensive businesses and shopping malls in the city during his first and second mayoral tenures.

Physician Danda Juanday, city administrator, told reporters that Thursday morning about the death of the mayor.

Guiani was buried Thursday afternoon in a Muslim cemetery at Barangay Gang in nearby Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao, some three kilometers northwest of Cotabato City.

As a religious norm, Muslims bury their dead within 24 hours from the time of death.

Juanday said Guiani died of cardiac arrest at a hospital in Davao City.

Guiani started his political career as a member of the city council, which he led as vice mayor for three consecutive terms.

The mayor had gone on leave for weeks before he passed away.

Via rule of succession, as stated in the Local Government Code, his sister, Vice Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, is to assume as new city mayor.

They ran in tandem during the May 9, 2016 polls and both won with an overwhelming vote lead.

The now mayor Sayadi had earlier orchestrated, as presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panglunsod, the crafting of new traffic ordinances and updating of old but still applicable peace and security measures to improve even more the local business atmosphere. (Contributed by media partner)

Fate

It was Tuesday (September 20) when (late) Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr. called up his siblings and requested them to join him for lunch the next day in a restaurant in Davao City. Being a tight knit family, it has been a long-time tradition of the Guianis to get together every once in a while with their children and share a meal.

Just in time for this request, then acting Mayor VM Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi was en route to Davao City last Wednesday (September 21) for a meeting with other local chief executives  in Mindanao at SMX  in Lanang . Right after the meeting, Atty. Guiani-Sayadi received a call from a family member telling her that Mayor Jojo was not feeling well and was then brought to the hospital.

She immediately rushed to the hospital and little did she know that it would be the last time she will be seeing her brother alive. The mayor experienced his first cardiac arrest that evening but was  revived.

At around 6:00 in the morning (Thursday), she received the dreadful news. According to the mayor's wife, his physicians declared him dead at around 5:48 a.m. after unable to survive the second cardiac arrest.

Atty. Guiani-Sayadi said the news shocked the whole family as Mayor Jojo had no serious illnesses, belying rumors that he is suffering from cancer. He only had arthritis and his sick leave was for him to concentrate on his medication and a little bit of relaxation.

Mayor Jojo will be remembered for being the "Mr. Exposè" in the Sangguniang Panlungsod  during his three terms as city councilor. As a mayor, he was one with the most welcoming aura, always greeting everyone with a smile and talking to him was always a great joy to everyone. But his greatest legacy is the making of  Cotabato City as it is today --- a more improved, more developed, and more peaceful home for all the Cotabateños.

Thousands of families, friends, supporters, and allies flocked to the Guiani residence to pay their final respects to the beloved mayor before laying him to rest at the family cemetery at Barangay Gang in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

By law of succession, City Vice Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi took her oath as the new mayor of Cotabato City with First Councilor Graham Dumama as the City Vice Mayor.

Atty. Guiani-Sayadi said as much as they are experiencing great pain, they have assured all Cotabateños that all the programs of Mayor Jojo Guiani will be continued, especially the full computerization of the city government offices and the establishment of an  “ecopark.”

Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr. will forever be remembered and his legacy will live on. (CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD 13TH REGULAR SESSION

City Vice Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumama introduces student leaders from different schools in Cotabato City to the City Legislative Body. The said students will be joining the City Councilors for today's session September 27, 2016.

"We will reorganize the different standing committees that focuses on different issues concerning development in the city, we will also study submitted proposals by different offices and recommend it to become a city ordinance after passing the third reading", said Vice Mayor Dumama. (CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Vice Mayor Dumama with the SP-staff

City Vice Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumama meets with the Sangguniang Panlungsod internal staff to take note and address issues, concerns, and requests of each staff and its operation.

The official also reiterated the effectiveness and timelines of the office operations and to fast track all documents to make the office more effective. (CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)