COTABATO CITY – A proposed measure that seeks to create the municipality of Nuling from the existing Sultan Kudarat municipality garnered support from residents and leaders who believe it will lead to a more focused approach to addressing the various needs of the barangays.
The municipality of Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao del Norte has 39 barangays. Recognizing the need for better attention and development in these areas, Member of Parliament Baileng Mantawil filed BTA Bill No. 223 in June 2023.
The bill aims to carve out selected villages and establish the new municipality of Nuling, with its proposed seat of government in Barangay Pinaring.
Mantawil explained that the division of Sultan Kudarat would lead to more equitable service delivery, bridging the gap between national, regional, and local governments. It would also generate employment opportunities, introduce livelihood programs, and promote the emergence of new local leaders.
To gather valuable input from the community, the sub-committee on local government held a two-leg public consultation in Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City. In the second leg of this consultation, BTA Bill No. 223 received strong support from participants who expressed optimism for the development of their communities.
Supporters of the bill are convinced that dividing the municipality will expedite progress, improve educational support for the Bangsamoro youth, create more job opportunities, address water and electricity supply challenges, maintain and rehabilitate madrasah (Islamic schools), and nurture new leaders within their communities.
Simuay resident Mohammad Pasigan stated, "If we have two municipalities, the development will be faster, and we will be given a chance to see how our leaders can lead the community."
Ibrahim Dare, the cluster head of nine barangays, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for positive change that new leadership could bring to their municipality.
Deputy Speaker Atty. Omar Yasser Sema assured the participants that all their statements would be carefully recorded and considered during the deliberation of the mother committee. However, Deputy Speaker Atty. Lanang Ali clarified that the consultation process did not guarantee the approval or disapproval of the division.
A plebiscite will still be held to obtain the majority vote of the affected constituents.
Following the conclusion of the public consultations, the committee will create a report based on the findings of the consultations, as stated by sub-committee chair Mohammad Kelie Antao. The report will be submitted to the mother committee for consideration before being presented to the plenary. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
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