Cebu University confers city dad honorary degree

THE Theology University, an educational ministry of Theology University Professor and Seminary Class Organization Inc. based in Cebu City has rolled out a red carpet on Saturday as it honored Councilor Abdurahman Nuño with a degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa.

Nuño, who is this city’s Liga ng mga Barangay president, is honored with the degree on Doctor in Humanities for his exemplary community services, accomplishments and attainments that contribute to the people’s well being and improve quality of life.

A respected Muslim leader in Zamboanga City, Nuño, together with wife Councilor Lilia Nuño has been a silent benefactor of humanitarian activities that impact the life of underprivileged groups -- both Christians and Muslims.

These include the distribution of foodstuffs and other relief goods during special occasions like the blessed month of Ramadan, Eid’l Fitri (Feast of Breaking the Fast), Eid’l Adha or Feast of Sacrifice, Christmas, New Year and many others.

Nuño has also distinguished himself as a skilled peace mediator by helping in conflict resolution as well as reconciliation of feuding families or groups in Zamboanga City.

Nuño has been the elected chairman of Taluksangay village since 1989 to present and represents the barangay sector in the City Council in his capacity as president of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

The village of Taluksangay, located 19 kilometers east of this city, is where the first Islamic culture was introduced in 1885 and is where the first Islamic Mosque was constructed.

Nuño chairs the City Council’s committees on disaster and relief services, Muslim and Cultural Community, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and Rural affairs and sits as vice-chairman of the committees on Elderly and Disadvantaged Groups, Energy and Public Utilities, Urban Planning and Land Use and Peace and Order.

He likewise sits as a member of at least nine specially-created bodies that include the Solid Waste Management Board, City Executive Development Council, City Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals, Zamboanga City Peace and Order Council, City Literacy Coordinating Council, Integrated Coastal Management, Crisis Management Committee, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Zamboanga City Council for the Protection of Children.

From 2002 to 2007, he was the vice president for Mindanao in the National Liga ng mga Barangay and was the President and Director of the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative from June 1987 to June 1990.

He also served as Special Assistant to the General Manager and at the same time Assistant-Corporate Secretary of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office from 1967 to 1970; Administrative Officer of the Office of Congressman Vincenzo Sagun from 1962-1965 and Technical Assistant to Sec. Ramon Diaz at the Office of the Executive Secretary in Malacañang in 1962.

Nuño was a recipient of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Outstanding Young Muslim Awards and Outstanding Civilian Campaigner for Peace and Order.

He also was conferred the Award of Excellence in the Search for Most Outstanding Barangay officials of Zamboanga Peninsula Region initiated by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The conferment ceremony was held at the Theology University in Cebu City and was presided by Dr. Pedro Jabagat, university chairman and president.

Theology University seeks to encourage ministers and leaders to acquire their highest degree in academics without prejudice to their family, ministry or job; give emphasis on the importance of education in the work of God; enable the ministers to see the need and relevance of education in society; give information about the trends in the conventional and unconventional system in education and to empower qualified ministers and leaders through the conferment of an honorary degree.