Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Arroyo empowers 16 Muslim sultans
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has created a Lanao Advisory Council (LAC) that would empower the 16 Royal Sultanates in Mindanao to make recommendations on the promotion of peace and development in their area.
Arroyo issued Executive Order (EO) 602, establishing the LAC that would advise her President on issues and problems affecting the 16 Sultanates' areas.
The 16 Royal Sultanates are recognized in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, Marawi City, Iligan City, and several towns in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.
Under the EO, the LAC shall give advice and recommendations to Arroyo on matters that would promote peace and development, facilitate the settlement of conflicts, and assist in the implementation of government programs in their areas of responsibility.
The EO guarantees that each of the 16 Royal Sultanates shall have equal representation in the LAC where each sultanate shall be represented by their respective sultan.
Under the EO, the members of the LAC shall elect among themselves the chairman and vice chairman of the Council. (JMR/Sunnex)
