‘Tabuk Muslim Consultative Council to strengthen inclusive governance’ - Councilor Pocais underscores importance of providing formal mechanism for representation, coordination

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tabuk City has institutionalized a Muslim Consultative Council (MCC) to provide Muslim communities with a formal avenue to participate in local governance, policy discussions, and programs affecting their welfare.

The move is provided under Ordinance No. 017, Series of 2026, titled “An Ordinance Institutionalizing the Muslim Consultative Council of the City of Tabuk and Prescribing Its Composition, Functions, and Operational Guidelines.”

Councilor Aaron L. Pocais, one of the principal authors of the ordinance, said the creation of the MCC recognizes Muslim residents as an integral part of Tabuk City and provides them an opportunity to actively contribute to the city's development and in addressing social concerns.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on September 24, 2026, Pocais said the measure was prompted by his consultations with Muslim community leaders regarding their concerns and their desire to contribute to the city's progress.

“Siyempre ti panagrikna da gamin ket kasla da maidasdasig. I talked to their leaders several times and they mentioned about how they feel and what they think they can contribute to the progress of the city. Kunak met, I will see what I can do. Isunga daytoy nga ordinance met iti inyaramid tayo kadwa dagiti members ti konseho tapno maddresan met ti kailangan da,” Pocais said.

Under the ordinance, the MCC will serve as an advisory and consultative body of the City Government, providing a formal mechanism for representation, consultation, and coordination between the local government and Muslim Filipino communities in Tabuk.

The ordinance states that the council aims to institutionalize dialogue and partnership between the City Government and Muslim communities, provide policy and program advice on matters affecting Muslim residents, and coordinate with national government agencies, particularly the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), in implementing programs consistent with applicable laws and local development plans.

Its functions include providing policy advice to the City Mayor and Sangguniang Panlungsod on matters involving social protection, health services, education, livelihood, peace and order, disaster risk reduction and management, and the preservation and promotion of Muslim culture, traditions, and religious practices.

The council will also facilitate community consultations and feedback mechanisms, allowing Muslim residents to raise concerns, identify community needs, and participate in discussions on programs and policies affecting them.

It is also tasked to support initiatives promoting peace, social cohesion, human rights, mutual respect, and equal access to public services and opportunities, while encouraging culturally sensitive approaches in local governance.

Another key function is to support the collection and use of relevant and disaggregated data concerning Muslim communities to help guide the formulation of policies, programs, and projects.

For economic development, the council may coordinate with concerned agencies and stakeholders to promote halal awareness, facilitate market access, and support the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises among Muslim entrepreneurs in the city.

The MCC may also issue non-binding advisory opinions on proposed city policies, programs, and development projects that may affect Muslim communities.

Broad representation

The ordinance provides for a broad composition of the council, headed by the City Mayor as chairperson and the City Barangay Affairs and Community Relations Officer as co-chairperson.

Its members include representatives from the NCMF, City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Health Services Office, City Planning and Development Office, City Legal Services Office, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Civil Society Organizations, City Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative for Resettled IPs, Tabuk City Schools Division-Department of Education, Philippine National Police-Tabuk City, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Representatives from the Muslim community will also be appointed by the City Mayor following a public call for nominations. The ordinance provides that these representatives should include, among others, an ulama or imam, a woman leader, a youth leader, a representative from the business, market or traders' sector, and a representative from a duly accredited Muslim organization or association in Tabuk City.

The council is required to meet at least once every quarter, or as often as necessary, and will submit an Annual Advisory Report to the City Mayor and Sangguniang Panlungsod summarizing key issues affecting Muslim communities, policy recommendations, coordination activities, and actions taken by concerned offices.

Pocais said the ordinance is intended not simply to create another local body but to give Muslim communities a more organized channel through which they can participate in the city's development.

The ordinance itself emphasizes that the City Government recognizes the presence and contributions of Muslim Filipino residents—including entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and faith leaders—to Tabuk's social, cultural, and economic life.

It also declares the city's commitment to inclusive governance by ensuring that Muslim constituents have appropriate avenues to express concerns, contribute to policy discussions, and participate in the planning and implementation of programs affecting their communities.

The ordinance was enacted on June 2, 2026, during a regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and was approved by City Mayor Darwin C. Estrañero on June 22, 2026.