Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte — The 30th Renaming Anniversary of Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipality was celebrated on Sunday, December 15, with a Thanksgiving Kanduli spearheaded by Mayor Datu Lester Sinsuat. The event, themed “Our Story, Our People: 30 Years of Datu Odin Sinsuat’s Heritage and Growth,” gathered prominent figures of the Sinsuat clan to honor the town’s rich history and resilience.
This year’s celebration comes at a time of significant challenges for the municipality following the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) approval of Parliament Bill Nos. 332 and 333, which propose dividing Datu Odin Sinsuat into three municipalities: Datu Sinsuat Balaban and Shiek Abas Hamza, alongside the mother municipality. A plebiscite for the proposed division is expected to be held within 60 days of the bills’ enactment.
Unified Opposition to Division
Mayor Lester Sinsuat expressed strong opposition to the proposal, arguing that the division is unnecessary and detrimental. He emphasized that strong leadership and efficient governance eliminate the need for such measures. “We can achieve progress without division,” said Sinsuat.
The mayor also highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts to elevate Datu Odin Sinsuat into cityhood, a vision inspired by the late former Mayor Datu Ombra Sinsuat. He urged the BARMM Government to support this aspiration rather than pursuing the municipality’s division, which could potentially downgrade it to a 5th or 6th class municipality.
Members of the Sinsuat clan, including Datu Bimbo Sinsuat, Datu Roonie Sinsuat, and Vice Governor Bai Ainee Sinsuat, echoed the mayor’s sentiments, calling the BTA’s move a form of “political accommodation” that could hinder the town’s growth and stability.
A Celebration of Heritage
The Thanksgiving Kanduli brought together influential clan members, including former Congresswoman Bai Sandra Sema, former Congressman Datu Roonie Sinsuat, former Mayor Cheryl Lu Ann Sinsuat, and Vice Mayor Sajid Sinsuat, among others. The gathering highlighted the enduring unity and strength of the Sinsuat family amidst political and social challenges.
The municipality’s history was revisited during the event, tracing its journey from its establishment in 1941 to its renaming from Dinaig to Datu Odin Sinsuat in 1994. The celebration served as a testament to the town’s resilience, having overcome political upheavals, natural disasters, and peace and order concerns over the years.
Looking Ahead
As Datu Odin Sinsuat faces the prospect of division, the Sinsuat family remains steadfast in their commitment to unity and development. Mayor Sinsuat called on the community and the BARMM leadership to prioritize the municipality’s growth and to honor the vision of its founders.
“This town has a story and legacy worth preserving,” he said. “Let us work together to achieve cityhood and ensure a brighter future for Datu Odin Sinsuat.”
The next steps now lie with the BTA and the residents of the municipality, who will have the final say through the plebiscite on whether the town remains united or is divided into three separate entities.