City Mayor's Office - Muslim Concerns and Affairs Division - MCAD

𝐂𝐌𝐎-𝐌𝐂𝐀𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐏𝐎𝐂 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 “𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐈’𝐀 𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐒 𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐑𝐀” 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄-𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄

The City Mayor’s Office – Muslim Concerns and Affairs Division (CMO-MCAD) proudly received a Certificate of Appreciation and a commendatory Resolution from the General Santos City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) in recognition of its outstanding peace-building initiative, “Shari’a Atas Bitiara.”

The recognition highlights the division’s significant contribution to promoting peace, cultural understanding, and harmonious coexistence among diverse communities in General Santos City. Through the initiative, CMO-MCAD continues to advance inclusive and culturally responsive conflict resolution anchored on the principles of justice, respect, and community solidarity.

During the 1st Quarter CPOC Meeting held on February 19, 2026, the Council unanimously commended CMO-MCAD for its dedication, leadership, and invaluable role in strengthening peace and order in the city. The initiative has gained national recognition for its innovative approach to peace-building and community engagement, reflecting the City Government’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development.

CMO-MCAD extends its heartfelt gratitude to the City Peace and Order Council, the City Government of General Santos, partner agencies, community leaders, and all stakeholders whose unwavering support continues to make this initiative a success.

This recognition serves as an inspiration to further strengthen programs that foster unity, mutual understanding, and lasting peace for all communities in General Santos City.

Shari’a Atas Bitiara | June 2,2026

In response to the call for partnership by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology , led by JSUPT Joe Anthony Gargarita ,the City Mayor’s Office-Muslim Concerns and Affairs Division ( CMO-MCAD ) joined with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and Local Civil Registrar (LCR) today in the facilitation of services related to marriage registration,birth certificate processing ,National ID application, processing of Muslim marriage certificates , and conversion to Islam of some Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) .

Kasalan ng Bayan sa Piitan is scheduled to be conducted by the Jail Warden.

Thousands of Muslims gathered together for the Eidul Adha prayer held at the Mindanao State University-CETD Grounds. The prayer started at 6:30 AM and was led by Sheikh Ibrahim Andang Jr., Chairperson of the Muslim Religious Advisory Council (MRAC) of General Santos City.

In his sermon, Sheikh Andang emphasized the true essence of Eidul Adha-sacrifice, obedience, and sincerity to Allah . He reminded the congregation to continue performing good deeds and acts of kindness (hasanah), not only during Eid but in everyday life, as a way of strengthening faith, unity, and compassion within the community.

Ramadhan is the best month, while the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, culminating in Eidul Adha, are among the best days in Islam.

Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters!

Eid Al-Adha Mubarak!✨

May this blessed occasion fill our hearts and homes with peace, joy, love, and abundant blessings. As we celebrate the spirit of sacrifice, faith, and compassion, may we continue to strengthen unity and kindness within our community.

Greetings from:
Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao and
Hon. Alberto “Bobby” Pacquiao

Pursuing Halal Relationship Behind Bars: BJMP GenSan and CMO -MCAD Hold Islamic Wedding Ceremony for PDL Couples

CIty Mayor’s Office -Musim Concerns and Affars Adivision (CMO-MCAD) in partnership withthe Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) - General Snatos headed by JSUPT Joe Antonhy Gargarita facilitaed the solemnization of marriage of three Muslim couples inside the BJMP facility on May 25,2026.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Sheikh Ibrahim Andang Jr and Ustadz Moctar Alangan in accordance with Islamic rites and traditions.

This meaningful and innovative initiave aims to uphold and recognize the rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) ,including their right to practice their religion and enter into lawful marriage. In Islam,marriage is considered a sacred covenant and an important act of faith.Muslims believe that when a man and a woman are in serious relationship, they should be united through marriage in order to pursue a halal and honorable relationship guided by Islamic teachings and values.

Despite being inside the correctional facility, the couples were given the opportunity to legitimize their union and strengthen their commitment before Allah, their families, and the community.

After the ceremony, a simple walima (wedding celebration) was shared by the couples, fellow inmates, and their families. As a gesture of compassion and support, the generous Jail Warden also allowed the newlywed couples an hour of conjugal visit following the wedding ceremony.

According to JSUPT Gargarita, this initiative and partnership are only the beginning. Under his leadership, BJMP General Santos City will continue to ensure that the human rights of PDLs are respected and protected, while also giving importance to their religious beliefs and cultural traditions.

The Muslim couples expressed their gratitude for the assistance extended to them. They will now be allowed to enjoy conjugal visits, a privilege granted only to married couples by the BJMP.

Also present during the affair were Division Chief SCL Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda and Special Assistant to the City Mayor, Datu Habirin Simpal.

🕌✨𝐄𝐈𝐃-𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐃𝐇𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑✨🕌

The City Government of General Santos City, through the Muslim Concerns and Affairs Division (MCAD), warmly invites everyone to join the Congregational Eid Prayer in celebration of Eid-al Adha.

📅 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 (𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲)
🕕 𝟔:𝟎𝟎 𝐀𝐌
📍 𝐌𝐒𝐔 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞, 𝐉𝐏 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐭., 𝐁𝐫𝐠𝐲. 𝐃𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

Let us come together in faith, unity, and gratitude as we celebrate this blessed occasion with our Muslim brothers and sisters.

📌 Please come early and bring your prayer mat.

🌙 Eid Mubarak! May Allah bless us all with peace, mercy, and abundant blessings.

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐎. 𝟏𝟐𝟔𝟒, 𝐬. 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Idineklara ang Miyerkules, ika-27 ng Mayo 2026, bilang isang Regular na Holiday sa buong bansa bilang paggunita sa Eid’l Adha o “Feast of Sacrifice.”

Para sa kumpletong detalye, bisitahin ang Official Gazette:
officialgazette.gov.ph