Republic of the Autonomous Region in Muslim PROVINCE OF Office of the Provincial Planning & Development Coordinator

Provincial Government Center, , Maguindanao

CONVENTION OF MAGUINDANAO CULTURAL AFFAIRS OFFICE (MUSLEM RELIGIOUS LEADERS)

Introduction

It is mandated in the Constitution that the government shall promote the quality of life of the people. Section 16 of the Local Government Code provides that the local government units shall pursue undertakings to improve public morals and maintain peace and order, among other equally significant concerns. The Department of the Interior and Local Government issued Memorandum Circular No. 1998-227 enjoining all local government units to create Local Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) who shall serve as a focal point through which various organizations and individuals work together cooperatively in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programs on drug abuse prevention. Furthermore, DDB-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular 2018-01 set forth the guidelines in the functionality and effectiveness of the ADACs.

It is the policy of the State to safeguard the integrity of its territory and the well-being of its citizenry particularly the youth, from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs on their physical and mental well-being, and to defend the same against acts or omissions detrimental to their development and preservation. In view of the foregoing, the State needs to enhance further the efficacy of the law against dangerous drugs, it being one of today’s more serious social ills.

The government shall pursue an intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs and other similar substances through an integrated system of planning, implementation and enforcement of anti-drug abuse policies, programs, and projects. The government shall however aim to achieve a balance in the national drug control program so that people with legitimate medical needs are not

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Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao PROVINCE OF MAGUINDANAO Office of the Provincial Planning & Development Coordinator

Provincial Government Center, Buluan, Maguindanao

prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of appropriate medications, which include the use of dangerous drugs.

It is further declared the policy of the State to provide effective mechanisms or measures to re-integrate into society individuals who have fallen victims to drug abuse or dangerous drug dependence through sustainable programs of treatment and rehabilitation.

Islam is a heterogeneous religion that recognizes no authoritative source of doctrinal interpretation like the Pope. The lack authoritative source of doctrinal interpretation means that Islam lacks a hierarchal structure like the Catholic church and anyone can interpret the Qur’an and other religious scriptures anyway they like. This makes Islam more egalitarian and democratic in some ways but also makes it easier for Muslim fanatics to gain influence and promulgate their views.

Highlights The Provincial Government of Maguindanao formally created Maguindanao Cultural Affairs Office (MCAO) where the 36 municipalities of the province are represented. Members of the organization are Uztadz. Every member of MCAO are entitled for a monthly honoraria.

On September 2019, the Provincial Govenment of Maguindanao conducted gathering of Muslem Religious Leaders (MRL), all attendees were the members of MCAO. The convention was a dialogue which focuses on “fight against prejudice” and pave the way for mutual trust and understanding between people and religious leaders.

One of the several agenda during the activity was convincing the Ustadz (Members of MCAO) to be an instrument of change on the pertinent social issues including drugs.

During the conduct of the activity, the participants was oriented on Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165). An Act instituting the

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Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao PROVINCE OF MAGUINDANAO Office of the Provincial Planning & Development Coordinator

Provincial Government Center, Buluan, Maguindanao

Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Repealing Republic Act No. 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, as Amended, providing Funds therefore, and for other purposes.

To educate members of religious groups regarding the ill effects of drugs to human health is one of the main objectives of the said convention.

Furthermore, Governor Bai Mariam Sangki - Mangudadatu convinced the participants to deliver the message against usage of illegal drugs before Friday Congregation or Mohadara or any religious gathering.

During the conduct of various monitoring, Mosque goers expressly uttered learnings on illegal drugs because members of the religious sector constantly reminding them of the hostile result of drugs, not only on health but also in family relationship, jobs, and finances. In an interview conducted, a mosque goer said “Malaki ang naitulong sa aming mga magulang ang pag lecture ng IMAM tungkol sa masamang epekto ng druga sa kabataan at pamilya”.

Moreover, Uztadz Yassin Mangatong said, “Naramdaman namin ang interest ng tao patungkol sa hindi magandang epekto sa paggamit ng droga. Ngunit sana ay merong malakihang programa ang Probinsya ng Maguindanao sa pagbibigay ng impormasyon sa taong bayan na pamumunuan ng mga eksperto ng sa ganun ay mas lalo nilang maunawaan ang masamang epekto nito”.

After careful examination, the Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator recommends deepening session and capacity building to Asatidz or Islamic Educators for the furtherance of the campaign against illegal drugs through information dissemination.

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Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao PROVINCE OF MAGUINDANAO Office of the Provincial Planning & Development Coordinator

Provincial Government Center, Buluan, Maguindanao

Documentations

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