MMDA set to open Muslim Affairs Office

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is set to create a Muslim Affairs Office to address the demand of the minority group for representation in their respective local government units.

MMDA Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. announced the plan after a recent meeting with representatives of various Muslim communities in Metro Manila.

Abalos noted that the population of the Muslim communities has increased significantly over the past few years and that their presence now demands recognition.

"They asked for recognition in the management of Metro Manila and I agreed that there is a need for a Muslim representative," Abalos said.

He admitted that the MMDA as well as the LGUs are sometimes faced with problems in dealing with Muslim communities.

Access to Muslim communities is limited and the presence of an official representative during discussions with government officials and law enforcers is seldom available.

The Muslim Affairs Office will be located at the MMDA headquarters in Makati City.

According to Abalos, he will name two to three representatives from the Muslim communities to serve as liaison officers between the communities and the LGUs.

He added that stronger ties with the Muslim communities are needed particularly in issues of peace and order.

The largest Muslim communities in Metro Manila are in the Maharlika Village in Taguig; Quiapo, Manila; Parañaque City; and Barangay Culiat in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, Abalos and Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes are set to submit a proposal to provide college students with options to take aside from the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) course.

Abalos met with Reyes last week and agreed to provide two other services that may be rendered by the students aside from ROTC. He pointed out that the students should be allowed to choose from community service, police work and ROTC. – Marvin Sy