MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR— Fifty-nine (59) displaced families from the Barangays of Salbu and Madia in Datu Saudi Ampatuan now enjoy their new safe and comfortable homes from the Bangsamoro Government.
This was following the turnover ceremony on September 6, spearheaded by Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie and DSA Mayor Edris Sindatok.
Under MSSD’s Bahay Program, this housing initiative provides permanent shelters to families who have faced several displacements due to armed conflict and calamities. Each new shelter features a 29.13-square-meter floor area, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room, and a kitchen.
“What we aim for with durable solutions is to create a situation where those who were displaced—whether by natural disasters or war—can either return to their homes or stay in another place where they feel safe, free from discrimination, with a livelihood, and a peaceful life,” Jajurie explained.
“This is not just a matter of housing and livelihood, but also of ensuring security and fostering a peaceful environment within the community. For this to happen, we all need to work together,” she added.
Local farmer Nasser Salamat, 48, expressed gratitude for the regional government’s commitment in providing them permanent shelters.
“I am very happy because we finally have a house. We will no longer live in makeshift tents at the market site. We can live comfortably without worrying anymore during the rainy season. Thank you very much to MSSD and the Bangsamoro Government,” said Salamat.
Recognizing the necessity of stable housing, the MSSD is also constructing an additional 25 housing units at Barangay Kitapok and plans to install a water system and streetlights for the community. (Myrna Tepadan/BIO with reports from MSSD)
