The mayor of Tamparan, a small town in Lanao del Sur, had a tough job: curb rido—long-standing and violent family feuds—and COVID-19.
Through his singular vision and values-based leadership, Mayor Mohammad Juhar Dimaporo Disomimba was able to stabilize the peace and order situation and contain the viral outbreak. As a result of his efforts, Disomimba was conferred Most Outstanding Mindananoan in Excellent Governance and Leadership at the second Mindanao Governance and Leadership Award (MGLEA) held in Centrio Ayala, Cagayan de Oro.
Organized by Mindanao Daily News, MGLEA acknowledges leaders from the government and private sectors who initiate positive changes. These awardees have exemplified integrity and selfless service.
For many years, Tamparan recorded high incidences of rido due to land disputes, political jealousy, and petty arguments that led to skirmishes and even deaths.
To address this issue, Disomimba personally spoke with both parties and organized peaceful dialogues so that the disputes would end in compromise and cooperation.
“Rido, as a form of retaliation, is counter to the peace and unity that Islam fosters,” he says.
He continues, “I remind the warring families that violence is contrary to the teachings of Allah, and that each individual is born as a peaceful being. If they revert to their core values, Tamparan will be a stable and safe community. The people of Tamparan are peace-loving. This is why I strive to do my best to improve the quality of life with the help of my Council of Elders and relatives.”
The Council of Elders, a group of eminent citizens, has been influential in maintaining the good relationships that were sealed after negotiations.
Disomimba ensures that there is justice as the criminal is meted out punishment. On the other hand, he also follows the Islamic tradition of offering diyyah (victim’s compensation). If the victim accepts the payment, it is considered a sign of forgiveness, hence, lessening the criminal penalty.
To control COVID-19, Disomimba ensures the locals are compliant with the health protocols through education and monitoring. The town also conducts mass testing and isolates patients who have been tested positive.
People close to Disomimba describe him as charismatic. He says he attributes his quiet power to his spending moments of self-reflection; balance of work, family, and spiritual lives; and humility. He engages his associates in Municipal Hall and other groups so that they can be motivated and productive.
“This success belongs to Allah and the people,” says the mayor of his achievements. “My leadership is based on obedience to God as I am guided by His commandments. He inspires me to perform pure actions, use prayer as a time to recharge the self, and give to charity.”
Tamparan was also recognized as one of the local government units that obtained an Ideal Level of Functionality in the 2020 Local Government Functionality Appraisal during the Regional Launching of Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership and LGUs Recognition by the Ministry of Interior and Local Government held at SKCC, Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City on Dec. 18.