- The Gavel
- Apr 10
SANGGUNIANG Kabataan (SK) Federation President and City Councilor Kenneth John Sacala warmly welcomed young leaders from the province of Lanao del Sur during a courtesy visit held at the City Council Session Hall, as part of the activities of their 1st Ranaw Youth Conference.
The delegation included Local Youth Development Officers, SK Federation Presidents, select members of the Regional Youth Development Office, and representatives of the Local Youth Development Council.
“Thank you for making Cagayan de Oro your second home,” Sacala said, emphasizing that this is not the first time young leaders from Lanao del Sur have visited the city to learn from the best practices of the Oro Youth Development Office and the youth-centered legislative efforts of the 20th City Council.
Mr. Jamil Faisal S. Adiong, Head of the Ranaw Youth Development Office, expressed his appreciation to the city government for the hospitality.
He lauded Cagayan de Oro as a city where “discrimination is not welcomed,” and shared their enthusiasm in learning not only about the local government unit’s model programs for youth development but also from two selected barangays that they were scheduled to visit after the courtesy call.
When asked how he overcomes the challenges of being the youngest among seasoned councilors in the City Council, Sacala responded that he sees himself as a youth representative who is open to learning from his colleagues while also advocating for landmark legislation that advances the welfare and development of the Kagay-anon youth.
Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, along with some members of the CDO SK Federation and staff from the Oro Youth Development Office, also graced the courtesy visit. (SPEscoltos/SP/Photo by OVM)
- The Gavel
- Apr 10
THE 20th City Council, during its regular session on Monday, presided over by Presiding Officer Pro Tempore, Councilor Romeo V. Calizo, adopted a resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to peace, unity, love, and respect for all residents—regardless of religion, political belief, or social status.
The resolution was passed following a special report delivered by Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas, in response to a controversial statement made by a local politician insinuating that Maranaos would bring violence and criminality in the city and the province.
The remark, according to Cabanlas, undermines the longstanding peaceful and meaningful co-existence among Muslims, Christians, and Lumads in the city.
The councilor emphasized the inclusive and harmonious spirit that defines Cagayan de Oro, stressing that the city continues to thrive due to the contributions of its diverse communities—particularly its Muslim brothers and sisters, who play a vital role in driving the local economy, one of the most robust in the country.
“We are dismayed that a respected political figure from our home province, whom we once saw as a model of tolerance and maturity, would issue statements that incite and promote fear, words that wound and hurt, promote division instead of unity, love, and understanding,” Cabanlas lamented.
He particularly condemned the leader’s act of singling out certain areas of the city in a way that could foster distrust, saying it was “totally uncalled for.”
He emphasized that Kagayanons and Mindanaoans stand united in diversity.
In a strong show of support, Councilor Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba backed the resolution presented by Majority Floor Leader Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas, reaffirming Cagayan de Oro’s stand for peace, unity, and non-discrimination. “I would like to agree and second the resolution of Councilor Cabanlas because Cagayan de Oro City is one of the few cities that already approved and passed an anti-discrimination ordinance, and we are very conscious about discrimination,” Balaba said during the regular session.
She cited the city’s Diversity and Equality Ordinance as a testament to its progressive stance on equal rights and protection of minority groups. “I agree with our Majority Floor Leader as an affirmation of our stand against discrimination,” she added, emphasizing the city’s enduring commitment to inclusivity regardless of religion, political affiliation, or social status. (JAOclarit/SP)
GISUPORTAHAN ni Konsehal Romeo Calizo, chairman sa komite sa pubic order, ang special report ni Konsehal Roger Abaday atol sa sesyon sa konseho niadtong Lunes mahitungod sa mga plastics nga gigamit sa e-commerce pagputos sa mga produkto nga ilang ihatod sa mga customers nga giingong makaapekto sa kinaiyahan.
Nasayran nga ang Lazada ug Shopee, mga kompaya nga nag-engage sa e-commerce platform, pulos nag-gamit og mga plastics sa matag produkto nga ilang ipanghatod ngadto sa ilang mga customers.
Sumala ni Calizo nga mahinungdanon kaayo kini nga isyu tungod kay makaapekto kini sa kinaiyahan nga basin og usa ka adlaw, momata nalang ang katawhan nga dako na kaayo ang problema.
Gisugyot ni Calizo nga modapit ang komite sa mga eksperto alang sa maong katuyuan nga makatubag niini ug makahatag sa insakto nga mga inputs. (JRGalano/SP)