Clenro proposes partnership on Muslim burial site in Oro

The City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) is seeking for a co-management with Muslim groups of the one hectare lot reserved as burial site for Muslim residents and their loved ones in Cagayan de Oro.

Clenro chief Engr. Armen Cuenca proposed this during last Thursday morning’s consultation of the city’s Muslim community on the redevelopment of the Bolonsiri City Public Cemetery held at the Oro Jama-ah Masjid Cultural Center.

“Kung pwede partnership (with your association/s) aron sayon kay kon mosalig ta sa gobyerno pirmi usahay malangan ta kay taas ang proseso,” Cuenca told those in attendance at the consultation.

Regional Director Abdul Nasser Masorong of the Commission on Muslim Affairs agreed, saying their office is willing to co-manage with the city government along with the United Ulama Association.

During the dialogue Mohamad Gondarangin, president of the Oro Jamaah Masijid, voiced the Muslim community’s concerns about the site which include among others their insistence that the remains of their loved ones be buried in the ground in accordance with the tenets of their religion.

City Hall plans to build a four-level structure that will house the remains of those buried at the Bolonsiri City Cemetery in Barangay Camaman-an for five or more years in order to maximize existing space there.

“Also kon mahimo sa pwede ilakip sa atong proposal ang washing area sa patay nga lawas og prayer room (sa pamilya),” Gondarangin told fellow board members.

Both Gondarangin and Masorong sit as representatives of the Muslim community in the City Public Cemetery and Memorial Park Development Board which spearheaded  Thursday morning’s consultation.

Cuenca said the Bolonsiri city cemetery redevelopment project is projected to go full blast in the second quarter of 2020 once construction of the four level structure at the area is completed. (Stephen Capillas of the City Information Office)