Johar Dimaporo Disomimba, the new mayor of Tamparan, a fifth-class municipality in Lanao del Sur, aims to strengthen the values of his constituents for an orderly society.
Disomimba believes in appointing an inspiring imam, an Islamic worship leader, who can set an example of right conduct.
“Through teachings, the people will fear committing ‘haram’ or breaking Islamic laws,” he says.
The mayor said he will support ustadz or teachers in every madrasa, a school for Islamic studies, to impart values, ethics and cleanliness to the students. He will also assist the imam, the person who conducts prayers, in every masjid or place of worship.
“The people will understand the importance of daily prayers (salaat) in strengthening their conscience,” says Disomimba.
The new mayor’s greatest challenge is controlling the culture of violence, which is contrary to Islamic ideals.
“The Tamparan I know is a town of peace-loving people. But when I assumed office, rido (a Maranao term for destructive family feuds) and drugs were rampant. Reining them in is the priority in our first 100 days of office,” said the 38-year-old mayor.
Although the prevention and settlement of rido are difficult as it is steeped in the local culture, Disomimba includes it in his campaign for security.
He says his office will conduct regular Municipal Peace and Order Council meetings and reactivate the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, the back-up unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to supervise the municipality.
Another priority is improving the infrastructure such as clearing road obstructions. Disomimba said he will continue the rehabilitation and construction of more roads and bridges started by his predecessor.
The town’s most urgent problems are its drainage system and garbage, he said.
“We urge our constituents to respect the environment. There will be frequent seminars on proper
disposal and segregation of garbage with the barangay chairmen, students and other groups. We will also help the farmers by improving our water system and irrigation,” the mayor said.
Disomimba will also enforce a regular clean-up drive in partnership with schools, the rural health unit and the market stalls.
Since trading is Tamparan’s main source of economy, the mayor says the town market needs better facilities. The municipality will also send proposals for grants for irrigation and a farm-to-road market.
In the early phase of his mayorship, the city is undergoing a renovation of its municipal hall and installing CCTV cameras in its premises and in public places.