The City Government of Valenzuela recognizes the Islamic constituents of as a vital force in the progress of the city through a coordinating and advisory body to be known as the Valenzuela Muslim Affairs Consultative Council (VMACC) in a formal ceremony held today, March 25, at the Social Hall of the New Government Complex.

 

Established through Executive Order No.12, Series of 2013, the VMACC shall collaborate with the local government in formulating plans, programs and policies to promote the welfare, interest and well-being of Filipino Muslims in the city.  It will serve as a link between the city government, and the public and private agencies involved in such programs and projects and recommend positive actions necessary for its effective and efficient implementation.

 

Then Council shall be lead by City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian as the Chairman, City Administrator and City Legal Officer, Atty. Teresita R. Capacillo, as Vice Chairman, and Mr. Gamal M. Bato as President, Executive Officer and Co-Vice Chairman,

 

It is a testimony of the city government’s efforts to include the local Muslim sector in policy formulation to further ensure their active participation in the achievement of growth goals and aspirations aimed at the promotion and enhancement of peace and order, economy, social welfare, cultural affairs and environment.  

 

As such, in his message during the ceremony, Mayor WIN emphasized that “since Valenzuela has turned into a melting pot of different cultures; we should embrace this multicultural trend by acknowledging [the role of] our Muslim brethren in propelling the city towards full  progress.”

 

The Council is also viewed as “a formidable way of establishing ties with the estimated more than a thousand Muslim constituents who are residing in the city for more than twenty years.”

 

Valenzuela City Branch 75 Judge Gamor B. Disalo, one of the advisers of the board, also stated his gratitude towards the creation of the council with utmost appreciation for Mayor WIN.  “I have known a lot of leaders here in the country, but only few of them give high regards to the Muslim community as active participants in good governance and nation building.”

 

The event was also attended by officials from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the members of Greenhills Muslim Traders Association and the Muslim community in the city.