Deputy M. Gab Nakan

In line with the community service practices of our honorable Mayor Sebastian Duterte,

We have been actively engaging with our community, listening to their concerns, and identifying their needs.

Recently, we visited one of our communities in Musilm Village, Times Beach, Ecoland, Davao City, where we had the opportunity to meet and hear the voices of the women’s sector.

Through this visit, we gained valuable insights into their concerns and requests, particularly regarding sustainable livelihood, children’s welfare, health, and infrastructure development.

In sha Allah, with the proper approach and through collaboration with various agencies of the City Government of Davao, we are confident that we can achieve step-by-step development within our community over time.

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A productive and insightful coffee meeting with Malaysian Consul Mr. K and Task Force Davao Official Major John Louie Dema Ala. Through this simple gathering, we exchanged ideas on serving the Muslim community through diplomatic and security-focused approaches, paving the way for stronger international cooperation and peace efforts.

Sometimes, the most valuable insights come from casual conversations with experts. Engaging with diverse fields such as diplomacy and security enhances our ability to serve our communities more effectively. This meeting reminded us that building bridges across nations and learning from others strengthens our efforts in promoting peace and development.

Davao City Muslim Aaffairs Office Participation in the KAICIID International Dialogue Southeast Asian Conference

Today, the Davao City Muslim Affairs Office (DCMAO) had the privilege of being one of the distinguished guests at the KAICIID International Dialogue Southeast Asian Conference, hosted by Ateneo de Davao University and the AL Qalam Institute, under the leadership of Executive Director Datu Mussolini Lidasan. This event brought together diplomatic representatives from Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia, as well as local government officials, including the hardworking Councilors Dra. Pot Pot Villafuerte and Atty. Luna Acosta, alongside the 6 DCMAO Deputy Mayors and Director Abdulrahman Caderao of Davao City Madrasah Comprehensive Development and Promotion Unit.

We were also joined by delegates from various countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Western nations, and the Philippines, all coming together with a shared goal of promoting peace and security. The dialogue was deeply meaningful, offering us new perspectives and strategies that we can apply in our efforts to promote peace and security within Davao City.

Our city government, under the leadership of Mayor Sebastian Duterte, has long been committed to maintaining a culture of security, ensuring peace and order in Davao. As home to 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, each with its own unique practices, cultures, and beliefs, Davao City is a testament to the harmony that can be achieved when we focus on the common good. Our peaceful coexistence is strengthened through continuous dialogue and mutual respect for each other’s differences.

This conference has inspired us to continue fostering peaceful dialogue among our diverse communities, in alignment with Mayor Duterte’s advocacy of securing the safety and well-being of Davaoeños. Through unity, peace, and order, we strive to uphold Davao’s reputation as a livable and loving city for all.

#📸DepRahimaUsmanPolao

Strengthening Peace and Security in Davao City

The Davao City Muslim Affairs Office (DCMAO) held a significant meeting with Task Force Davao represented by Col. Hassan and Major Dema Ala to address the strengthening of peace and security within Davao City. The meeting was aimed at aligning both agencies' efforts to ensure that the city remains a safe and secure environment for its diverse communities.

Key Discussions:

1. Strengthening of Peace and Security Measures:
- Task Force Davao provided detailed insights on the current security situation in Davao City and highlighted ongoing measures to maintain peace. These include regular patrols, monitoring key areas, and implementing more rigorous security protocols in public spaces.
- DCMAO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the Muslim community and local security forces to create a harmonious environment.

2. Increased Community Involvement:
- Both parties stressed the importance of community involvement in peacekeeping efforts. Task Force Davao encouraged the Muslim Affairs Office to actively engage the community in awareness programs, with a focus on preventing radicalization and promoting dialogue among various sectors.
- DCMAO is set to launch campaigns that will educate and engage Muslim communities, ensuring that security concerns are swiftly addressed.

3. Advice on Choosing Sectoral Representatives:
- Task Force Davao offered valuable advice regarding the selection of sectoral representatives for DCMAO. They recommended that representatives be chosen based on their capacity to communicate effectively with the community and their alignment with the city’s peacekeeping goals.
- It was emphasized that sectoral representatives should work closely with security forces, serving as key contacts to relay concerns and updates from the community. Their role will be critical in bridging gaps between authorities and local communities to ensure mutual understanding and cooperation.

4. Next Steps:
- DCMAO will proceed with the selection of its sectoral representatives, incorporating the recommendations provided by Task Force Davao.
- Further meetings and coordination will be planned to ensure that DCMAO and Task Force Davao remain aligned in their objectives to keep Davao City secure and peaceful.

This meeting marked an important step forward in the continued efforts to maintain Davao City as a model of peace and security, with both DCMAO and Task Force Davao committed to working together in safeguarding the city’s diverse communities.

Davao City Muslim Affairs Holds Monthly Meeting

Date: September 2, 2024

The Davao City Muslim Affairs Office (DCMAO) conducted its first Monday of the month "Monthly Meeting" today. The primary focus of this meeting was to ensure compliance with Executive Order 19 and to effectively implement its functions and mandates.

Agenda Discussed:

1. Executive Orders Resolution
2. Task and Work Reminders for Every Deputy Mayor and Upcoming Activities
3. Creation of DCMAO Social Media
4. Selection of Sectoral Representatives
5. Office Rules
6. Post-Kadayawan Debrief

These monthly meetings are scheduled every first Monday to foster a more productive and active institution, aligned with the advocacies of Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

We are pleased to announce a significant initiative for the senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) within the Muslim community of Davao City. In collaboration with the Jamjom Masjid, Darul ifta Region 11 represented by M***i Mohamad Pasigan and the Deputy Mayor of Maguindanaon Tribe of Davao City Muslim Affairs, we have made available “free priority monoblock chairs for our senior citizens and PWDs during the Jummah (Friday) prayers”.

This initiative is aimed at providing ease and comfort, ensuring that our elders and PWDs can perform their obligatory prayers with dignity and convenience.

This program is part of a broader Memorandum of Agreement between the Darul Ifta Region XI and the Deputy Mayor of the Maguindanaon Tribe of Davao City Muslim Affairs. Through this partnership, we aim to promote various advocacies that strengthen the bond between the Muslim community and the government of Davao City.

We hope this initiative inspires other major masjids in Davao City to adopt similar measures, ensuring that senior citizens and PWDs are given the care and attention they deserve. We encourage all masjids in the city to implement a "Senior Citizen and PWD Priority Use of Monoblock Chairs" policy.

We express our gratitude to former Deputy Mayor of maguindanaon tribe and now consultant Mr. Ismael “Mike“ Nakan for sharing this idea for Senior Citizens and Persons With Disabilities (PWD’s), to all the Sponsors, institutions and leaders, especially our honorable Mayor Sebastian Duterte, who continuously promote progress, peace and development in Davao City. May this program and others like it continue to flourish and inspire positive change within our community.

May the grace of Almighty Allah bless us all.

🌍 **Inter-religious/Inter-cultural Dialogue Mapping in Davao City** 🌍

We are proud to have participated in the Inter-religious/Inter-cultural Dialogue Mapping held at Ateneo de Davao University, a vital event hosted by Ateneo de Davao University and AL Qalam. This dialogue brought together key stakeholders, including the Davao City Muslim Affairs Office, Davao City Madrasah Comprehensive Program Unit, and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

This program is dedicated to promoting peace and harmonizing people from all over the world. Through open dialogue and shared understanding, we aim to build stronger, more united communities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City Government of Davao, especially under the leadership of our good Mayor, Honorable Mayor Sebastian Duterte, for their unwavering support in this advocacy. Together, we are making strides toward a peaceful and harmonious society. 🤝

On behalf of the Davao City Muslim Affairs Office, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the warm welcome extended to us during our recent visit. The meet and greet between your office and our representative,Gabriel Nakan, was truly a fruitful encounter that opened doors for potential collaborations between our respective LGUs.

We are greatly inspired by the initiatives your office has undertaken, particularly the establishment of ordinances that cater to the needs of the Muslim community, such as the implementation of the Halal lane for groceries, the provision of Musalah/Prayer rooms in malls, and the “Sharia Atas Bitiara”.These progressive steps reflect your commitment to uplifting and supporting the Muslim residents of General Santos City.

We look forward to exploring future collaborations that can contribute to the development and welfare of the Muslim communities in Davao City. Your innovative ideas and best practices are truly valuable, and we hope to integrate them into our programs and ordinances.

May Allah (SWT) guide us in these good advocacies as we strive to improve the quality of life for our Muslim brothers and sisters across our cities.

Once again, thank you, and we look forward to working closely with you in the future.

The Maguindanaon Tribe of Davao City proudly affirms our participation in the 39th Araw ng Kadayawan. Our community has always found joy and unity in harmonizing with the other eleven tribes of Davao City, contributing to the promotion of peace, understanding, and the preservation of our cherished Maguindanaon culture.

We, along with the Davao City Muslim Affairs Office, continue to express our full support for the leadership of our honorable Mayor Sebastian Duterte and the entire LGU Davao team. Together, we strive to ensure that the spirit of Kadayawan lives on through the rich diversity and cultural heritage of Davao City.

With our deep appreciation for this celebration, we look forward to contributing to the success of this year’s Kadayawan festival.

As members of these distinguished tribes, we are privileged to be guided by the wisdom and experience of our elders, who have taught us the importance of living in accordance with the principles of Islam while maintaining peace and harmony with others. Despite our diverse cultural backgrounds, we are united by our shared aim of seeking the happiness of Allah (SWT) and fostering a peaceful coexistence with all who call Davao City their home.

This unity is not merely a bond among our tribes; it is a commitment to the broader community of Davao City. Through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation, we strive to contribute positively to the city’s development while upholding the values of peace and order. We believe that our collective efforts are a testament to the strength that lies in diversity when guided by a common purpose.

Our elders have instilled in us the belief that, while we may belong to different tribes, our purpose is one and the same. We seek to live in a way that pleases Allah (SWT) and brings peace to our community. It is through this shared aim that we find common ground, enabling us to work together in harmony, support one another, and address any challenges we may face.

In this light, I would like to reiterate our unwavering commitment to the unity of Davao City’s tribes and our dedication to ensuring that peace and order continue to prevail. We are grateful for the opportunity to live and thrive in this city, and we look forward to continued collaboration with all members of our diverse community.

May Allah (SWT) bless our efforts and guide us all on the path of righteousness and harmony.