MUSLIM youth leaders in this city met with former Mayor Oscar Moreno on Wednesday, April 10, to raise concerns about inclusivity and access to culturally appropriate spaces and services.
During the meeting, held in Cagayan de Oro, the youth leaders requested the establishment of prayer rooms in public establishments, an exclusive Islamic cemetery, and better access to scholarships and training programs.
Ibrahim Camid, chair of the Muslim Youth Community, said the youth want to be active participants in the city’s development.
“Nanghinaot mi nga makatabang pud mi sa inyo sa development sa community,” Camid said.
He also appealed for designated prayer rooms in malls and other establishments.
“Unta naay prayer room sa tanan,” he added, noting the lack of such facilities often delays prayer times, particularly for Muslim women.
Edris Salic, council adviser of the Muslim youth community, echoed the call, stressing the need for prayer areas in universities, where many Muslim students are enrolled.
Mohammad Khandali Sahisa, president of the Maharlika Bangsa-Sug Union Youth Association, said Muslims make up roughly 30% of the city’s population and have long lived in harmony with other groups.
“We take Kagay-anon as a home,” Sahisa said. “Leaders should not only notice Muslims during elections, but also value diversity.”
Sahisa also urged the creation of an Islamic cemetery.
“Kapag naay patay nga Muslim, diha ginadala sa Patag. Hassle na sa among part para mag-communicate mi sa local cemetery para malubong namo among patay,” he said, calling for a dedicated space for Muslim burials.
The youth also asked for inclusion in the annual Higalaay Festival to represent the Muslim community, as well as the institutionalization of reserving the Pelaez Sports Center during Eid’l Fitr celebrations.
“Nga mismo ang local government na ang mag-track, in the name of diversity, dili na ma-hassle ang mga students nga mag-arrange (ug schedule) kay ga-eskwela pa,” one youth representative said.
They also requested access to government facilities for events like symposiums, noting the difficulty in securing venues without political support.
“Kung wala’y backer, ga-lisod jud mi,” said one participant.
In response, Moreno said Cagayan de Oro has always been a place of convergence and refuge.
“Cagayan de Oro has always been a place of choice sa ating mga kapatid na Muslim,” he said, citing the Marawi siege as a moment that called for the city’s empathy and action.
Moreno expressed support for a sustainable peace process and said he would look into creating a “special window” for Muslim scholars under city scholarship programs.
He also vowed to explore space allocation at Bolonsiri Cemetery for deceased Muslims.
As for prayer rooms, Moreno said cooperation with private establishments would be essential.
“Pwedeng magawan nang ordinance yan (prayer rooms), lalo na for women,” he said.
