City Council reaffirms CDO’s commitment to peace, unity

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)