36-yr-old village chief is Taguig's first Muslim councilor

MANILA, Philippines - The Muslim residents of Taguig City now have a voice in the City Council in the person of Maharlika Village Barangay Chairman Yasser Pangandaman.

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano welcomed the 36-year-old Pangandaman, who will be sitting as a member of the City Council by virtue of being the president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC).

“Now, our Muslim brothers and sisters will have a voice in the City Council and they will now be properly represented in the city’s primary policy-making body,” Cayetano said.

“Who is better to look after the welfare of our Muslims in Taguig than one of their most respected leaders? We expect great things from Kap Yasser and we look forward to working closely with him,” she added.

Pangandaman took his oath-of-office as councilor last June 30 at the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). He then swore into office Taguig Rep. Lino Cayetano.

As city councilor, Pangandaman said he would strengthen the relationship between Muslims and Christians to ensure unity and harmony between the two groups, as he assured his continued support to the mayor’s plans and programs, especially with the reforms she has initiated in the education sector.

Pangandaman also said that the war against illegal drugs will be given focus, especially at the Maharlika Village which is home to over 20,000 Muslims residents.

Pangandaman’s plans are being supported by the city government who vowed to foster closer ties between Christians and Muslims in the city.

“We have what you call a ‘meeting of the minds’. We will continue to look after the welfare of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Taguig,” said Mayor Cayetano.