Government, private sector give aid to Muslims

CEBU – The national and city governments and the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Central Visayas have given three projects to Muslims who have made Cebu City their second home.

The projects were given to residents of the Muslim village in Alaska, Mambaling by Presidential Assistant for Visayas Felix Guanzon, Directors of the Department of Social Welfare and Develoment, the office of Muslim affairs, and the 53rd engineering brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Central Visayas.

The project included a construction of a mosque, the repair of footbridges, and the completion of an open court and multi-purpose center. Mayor-on-leave Tomas Osmeña also contributed an amount to fund the construction of the mosque.

Guanzon said he is hopeful that the support program for Muslims would be replicated in other areas in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao. He said the project is a demonstration of generous cooperation and understanding from both government and private sectors.

The donors first met with the Muslim community in August 2007 to determine and discuss the needs of the tribe. Among those brought up by the tribe during the assembly were problems on opportunities for livelihood, education, electricity and a descent place for community activities.

DSWD, for one, donated money and food for Muslim laborers and released P20,000 as seed money for a “Tindahan Natin” outlet, which sells government subsidized rice from the National Food Authority and other basic commodities.

Private sectors like the Visayan Electric Company also supported the project. — AJ dela Torre/JMO (THE FREEMAN)