In a world where political corruption and disdain towards constituents have become the norm, a young mayor is single-minded in building a community that is rooted in spirituality.
Mayor Juhar Dimaporo Disomimba of Tamparan, Lanao del Sur not only has the pedigree but the heart for public service.
Descending from Mindanao’s most powerful families, he never expected to follow the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, Mohammad Ali Dimaporo, former governor of the undivided Lanao, and his father, the late Mayor Topaan Disomimba. His grandfathers were both Datus of Masiu, a municipality in Lanao del Norte.
His paternal grandfather, Datu Palawan Disomimba, observed that his grandson had the leadership potential to become the future mayor of Tamparan.
Years passed as the younger Disomimba forgot about his grandtather’s prediction as he was immersed in tabligh, a Muslim’s duty of propagating religious teachings. This scion wanted to veer away from the family’s entrenchment in politics to pursue his passion for religious service.
In 2017, his father died while serving his second term. His sister Sittie Amina took his post while Disomimba shared the responsibility by becoming municipal administrator.
Disomimba vows to continue the legacy of good governance passed on by his predecessors.
“My grandfather, Ali Dimaporo, was a great leader. There was peace and order in Lanao in the early ‘60s and mid’-70s. There was no rido (clan wars). My father was a generous and compassionate leader. Many liked him because of his integrity and hard work. Even political rivals commended him for these qualities,” he said.
Disomimba is aware that he could be compared with his grandfather and father. Unlike Dimaporo who was an ally of President Ferdinand Marcos and Topaan who was close to President Gloria Arroyo, the scion is fending for himself.
“My father and grandfather used their positions to benefit many. To this day, many come up to me to convey their gratitude to my late father. I wish I could match their achievements, but I’m working under a different situation,” he says.
Disomimba’s vision for Tamparan is to make it the model of an Islam municipality that is rooted in moral governance. He hopes to fulfill the aspirations and dreams of his constituents.
“I want to see a progressive community. There is food on the table. The people can avail of quality education and professional health services. They can confidently walk around because there is peace and order. We are aiming for a better economy through farm modernization and tourism,” he said.
“The most important is that everyone has a strong connection with Allah. I know that the vision is a tall order. With the cooperation of family, friends and influential contacts, we can achieve these goals,” he says.
The young mayor also expresses his love for his constituents. “Because they are doing good deeds, they will have a good future. They are law-abiding citizens,” he says.
In running Tamparan, Disomimba says he turns to Supreme Allah as his Guide and to other leaders who had worked with his late father. “Expectations are high. I seek Allah’s help to give me the strength,” he says.
