SSB’s new mayor sets town’s thrusts

ON THE MOVE --- Sultan Sa Barongis Mayor Al-Fizzar Allandatu M. Angas (2nd from right) presides over the meeting of the Municipal Development Council, his first call after  as local chief executive.  With him (left to right) are SSB Administrative Officer Danialan B. Utap, Vice Mayor Dhats Mamalo,  and MLGOO Jennifer Ampatuan. (Anne Acosta)

SULTAN SA BARONGIS (SSB), Maguindanao --- The newly assumed mayor of this town had himself appraised of the issues and concerns of the municipality through reportage of local government departments, barangay governments, and government line-agencies when he presided over the meeting of the Municipal Development Council (MDC) last September 30 held at the Gender and Development building.

By succession, elected vice mayor Al-Fizzar Allandatu M. Angas took over the mayoralty position following the demise of his uncle mayor Ramdatu M. Angas last September 8. The municipal vice mayor, also by succession, is now Dhats Mamalo, the elected first councilor.

Together with Municipal Local Government Operation Officer Jennifer D. Ampatuan, it was the first meeting that the new mayor had conducted following his assumption into office as local chief executive.

Mayor Al-Fizzar Angas said the main objective of the  meeting is to update themselves --- municipal government officials, department heads, barangay chairmen, and partner agencies --- on the issues and concerns affecting the community, especially the problems confronted by the different barangays “so remedial action or solution could be drafted and feasibly executed.” 

In interfacing with the attendees, the mayor said: “The reason why I require all of you to present  issues and concerns and even the problems encountered in your area of responsibility is for us to come up with  suggestions, recommendations, and proposals to address these gaps.”  

“I need also to know the priorities so we can aptly pursue our developmental programs and projects which may require raising or sourcing of funds for the purpose of these intents… There might be a need for rebuilding of development paradigms so we can properly act on situations that require prompt solutions,” he said.

Among those who attended the MDC meeting were representatives of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Social Services, and those from the security sectors.

The mayor said the municipality is enjoying a stable peace and order despite the town’s location adjacent to the so-called SPMS box.

“We are lucky here because we are not much affected by the problems of areas plagued  by armed conflict,” the mayor said.  (Anne Acosta)