The Davao City Muslim Affairs Office (DCMAO) welcomed its newly appointed chairman, Pamikeren Latip P. Arumpac Jr., Deputy Mayor of Bangsa Iranun, marking a new chapter for the office as it strengthens its commitment to serving the city’s Muslim communities.
Arumpac assumed his post during a simple turnover ceremony on June 30, witnessed by city officials, community leaders, and other key stakeholders. In his inaugural remarks, he assured the public that the programs initiated by the outgoing chairman, Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nakan of the Bangsa Maranao, will be sustained and strengthened.
“We remain committed to preserving peace and order in our own city , especially within the Muslim communities while strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims, Indigenous Peoples, and Christian brothers and sisters through sustained peace-building initiatives,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of empowering communities through livelihood and economic development programs, and assured that the office will continue to seek partnership with the government and the private sector.
The city’s Halal industry is also among his office’s top priorities, as he recognizes that the global Halal industry extends far beyond the Muslim community.
“We therefore intend to prioritize halal development as a strategic initiative that can generate employment, stimulate local enterprises, and contribute to economic growth. In line with this commitment, we must also ensure the proper implementation of existing policies including our ordinance on the Halal lane. This measure is essential in safeguarding the integrity of Halal products, and ensuring that the religious requirements and practices of our Muslim customers are respected and protected,” Arumpac said.
He added the importance of preserving and promoting the ways, culture, heritage, and traditions of indigenous communities.
Arumpac said that they envision the establishment of the school of living tradition that will not only help preserve the culture and heritage of indigenous communities, but will also create sustainable livelihood opportunities through arts, weaving, craftsmanship, and other indigenous skills.
Meanwhile, Nakan, in a message read by Deputy Mayor Rahima Usman-Polao, assured the community that although his term as chairman of the DCMAO has come to an end, his commitment to genuine public service will continue as he remains the chairperson of the city’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups.
He also urged the community and other stakeholders to continue supporting the DCMAO and its new chairman towards collective growth and development that will benefit not only the present but also future generations.
Created through Executive Order No. 14, Series of 2024, the DCMAO is the primary agency that ensures the preservation and development of the culture, traditions, institutions, and well-being of Muslim residents in Davao City. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: E. Morata