OMA-7 hosts annual evaluation

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Muslim Affairs Central Visayas hosted this year’s nationwide Program Performance Renew Analysis and Evaluation to assess the departments’ performance and contribution in the programs of the government especially in the initiatives for the peace process in Southern Mindanao.

OMA Undersecretary Datu Ali Sangki said that in the PPRAE which started yesterday, the OMA must be able to know what they have contributed so far to the 9th agenda of the Arroyo Administration which is a just end to the peace process.

Sangki said that OMA would like to clearly define first their role in the efforts of the government and assess if they have carried out this perceived role.

Through this, Sangki said, they must know the programs and activities they shall further create to support this remaining unsolved agenda of the president.

OMA-7 regional director Sakiran Hajan said that in two to three days, all 11 OMA Directors from the five field offices across the country attending the PPRAE might be able to come up with specific programs and activities to help solve the conflict in Southern Mindanao.

Sangki said that aside from the peace process, OMA’s focus is also on providing basic services to Muslim communities all over the country.

Sangki said that they are working hard to exist according to the function of OMA as mandated by Executive Order No. 122-A.

“OMA shall act as a bridge of the government in ensuring the participation of Filipino Muslims in nation building. It is mandated to preserve and develop the culture, traditions, institutions and well-being of Muslim Filipinos in conformity with the country’s laws,” Sangki said.

OMA is also tasked with the formulation and implementation of State policies and programs affecting Muslims residing in the Philippines.

In Cebu, Hajan said that OMA has been so far successful in taking care of their constituents.

Hajan said that Muslims in Cebu are enjoying a harmonious relationship with non-Muslims through the help of the local government especially Cebu City.

Hajan said that there are now approximately 132,274 Muslims registered in OMA-7. He said that their Muslim brothers and sisters are encouraged to engage in business, have their children educated and always live in accordance with the policies of the government.

Hajan also said that the whole Muslim community in Cebu will be thankful if they will have a representation in the council for the purpose of public service.

While still nobody is willing to run for a position in the government, they are very open to the idea, Hajan said, because through this their aspirations will be known to the government for the development of the whole Muslim community in Cebu. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP (THE FREEMAN)