Human Settlement and Development Director-General Esmael Ebrahim, along with Parang Mayor Abdulcahar Ibay and several top officials from local government units, break ground for the construction of 50 resettlement housing units at Sitio Malingao, Brgy. Nituan in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte on March 10, 2024. (Photo courtesy of MHSD)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government is building 100 housing units intended for indigent families in two towns of Maguindanao del Norte.
The Ministry of Human Settlement and Development (MHSD) broke ground for 50 housing units worth P43.7 million in Brgy. Bayanga, Matanog on March 10, 2024.
This project, funded under the Special Development Fund (SDF) 2022, marks a significant milestone for both the Ministry and the local government units (LGUs).
MHSD Director-General Esmael Ebrahim expressed his satisfaction with the project, emphasizing its importance as a legacy for all involved. The partnership between the Ministry and the LGUs demonstrates their commitment to serving the community.
“Even in the hereafter, we will be witnesses that in one way or another, we have delivered and have been part of ‘jihad fi sabilillah’ and the sacrifices of our brothers who have been martyrized in this area, have borne fruit and we feel it and is evident with the implementation of this project,” he stressed.
The memorandum of agreement (MOA) for these projects was signed by MHSD and the LGUs of Matanog and Parang on Feb. 20.
Matanog Mayor Zohria Bansil-Guro highlighted the town’s significance as the gateway to Maguindanao del Norte and its transformation from a war-torn area during the conflict in year 2000 to a beacon of progress and peace today.
“There were no houses in this area during the all-out war, that is why we strive hard to change the narrative as the first impression lasts. With the peace agreement in place, we strive to establish clear indicators of progress in this very community,” Guro said.
“This responsibility extends beyond the BARMM to the national government. Every development initiative is intertwined with peace sustenance, a testament to effective governance and the fulfillment of peace accords,” she stressed.
Similarly, Parang Mayor Abdulcahar Ibay, alongside DG Ebrahim, led the groundbreaking ceremony for 50 housing units in Sitio Malingao, Brgy. Nituan in Parang.
Mayor Ibay stressed the importance of accurately identifying deserving beneficiaries to ensure the project’s success, committing to promptly address any shortcomings.
“It is imperative to accurately identify the target beneficiaries to ensure that the housing units are allocated to deserving and rightful families,” said Ibay.
The total cost of the project is P41.8 million under the General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro (GAAB) 2024. Each housing unit will feature a 6×8 square-meter floor area, three bedrooms, a living and dining area, a porch, a service area at the back, and a common bathroom.
This initiative underscores the intertwined nature of development and peace sustenance, reflecting effective governance and the fulfillment of peace accords. (Myrna Tepadan/BIO)
