IPMR selection date set

The selection process for the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in the Davao City Council will be on May 23, 2019, outgoing IPMR Councilor Halila Sudagar said yesterday.

According to Sudagar, she is thankful that the schedule for the next IPMR from the Klata Tribe has materialized, especially that she, a Kagan, has held the position via holdover capacity for 9 months now.

“I do not have any background on who will be selected but I am thankful that the selection process is really pushed,” she said.

According to Sudagar, for the next IPMR, public hearings are very important.

“To the one next in line, he or she should conduct public hearings. All that I was able to contribute were based on public hearings and consultations as well. Whatever the public wants me to legislate, I do,” she said.

She added that the changing needs of the public would always call for a consultation.

She also said much is needed for working opportunities and further eradicate discrimination among Muslim and IP brothers and sisters.

Sudagar also updated that the dismissal of the case of Cherry Ann Codilla, disqualified IPMR from the Klata Tribe paved way that the selection process be pushed through.

“I have heard it was dismissed hence, the selection process is pushed through,” she said.

Codilla filed a case before the Regional Trial Court branch 53 against the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region XI director Geroncio Aguio.

“I am happy that someone from Klata will take over the position because I myself really pushed for the selection process to happen because this position I hold is really an opportunity with the absence of a qualified IPMR from Klata,” she said.

“I owe a lot to the IP community for giving me a longer time to serve and I hope I did not fail them because I was also able to pass two landmark legislation, the Hijab ordinance and the IP alternative dispute resolution ordinance,” she added.