QC mayor creates Muslim consultative council

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. signed an executive order yesterday creating the QC Muslim Consultative Council (QCMCC), an inter-agency body that will address concerns and serve as a vehicle for the participation of Muslim residents in promoting peace and progress in the city.

"Sa Quezon City, pantay-pantay lahat," Belmonte told a Muslim delegation that witnessed the signing ceremony at the City Hall lobby.

Belmonte will sit as the chairman of the council which will have as members Muslim representatives from the religious, business and youth sectors as well as head of city agencies.

Other members of the council include heads of social services department, community relations, planning and development office and the district director of the Central Police District.

The creation of the QCMCC is in accordance with the policy of the state through its local government units to recognize, respect and protect the rights of cultural communities to preserve and develop their culture, traditions and well being.

Belmonte said the adequate representation of Muslims in the formulation of plans and policies of the Quezon City government will promote understanding and strengthen unity.

The council will also serve as a vehicle that will reach and empower Muslim communities as partners in local governance.

"Muslim are for peace, unity and progress in Quezon City," the leaders said.

Ret. Col. Jameel Jaymalin, head of the Payatas Special Operations group and executive officer of the council, said the QCMCC will provide advice and assistance to the city mayor in monitoring and implementation of programs affecting Muslim communities. — Perseus Echeminada