ZAMBOANGA City Mayor John Dalipe has administered the oath of office on Monday, July 10, 2023, of the newest member of the City Council.
Sworn into office is Aida Paniorotan, the new Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), to the city council pursuant to Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous People's Rights Act of 1997.
RA 8371 mandates the representation of IPs in all policy making bodies and other local legislative councils, and to enjoy the same privileges as the regular members of the legislative bodies.
Paniorotan, who successfully complied the requirements under the law, will be the 19th member of the City Council, replacing Tungkuh Hanapi.
Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and Paniorotan's family members witnessed the simple but fitting oath taking ceremony of Paniorotan.
Dalipe urged Paniorotan to exert her best efforts to elevate all concerns of the IPs in the City Council. (SunStar Zamboanga)