Mayor John Dalipe has promised to prioritize the implementation of the ordinance mandating the construction of the cultural complex building for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the city.
The mayor gave this assurance in a recent meeting with the Indigenous Political Structure composed of the 5 tribes – Sama Bangingi, Yakan, Kolibugan, Subanon and Badjao, facilitated by the Office of Councilor Aida Paniorotan, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in the City Council and the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) represented by Richard Pamaran.
Top agenda of the meeting was Ordinance 547 that mandates the construction of a Cultural Complex Building for IPs in the city with an allocation of P100M.
The IP group expressed concern that the ordinance has not been implemented despite its approval and enactment over a year ago.
Should the Cultural Complex building be constructed, Zamboanga City will be the first city in the country to have such a project.
The meeting also discussed other issues and concerns that IP communities in the city wish to bring to the attention of the chief executive.
Among those present during the audience with the mayor were Panglima Nasir Ismula of the Sama Bangingi tribe, Panglima Datu Tere Abirin of the Yakan tribe, Maharadja Tony Cegales of the Badjao tribe, Datu Panglima Norham Gumaga of the Kolibugan tribe, Timuay Martini Gunilac of the Subanon tribe, Barangay IPMR Sergio Ilul and several others. (Sheila Covarrubias, photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)
(Source: City Government of Zamboanga Facebook page)