BARMM Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo and Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael “Mang” Sali sign on Nov. 20 a memorandum of agreement for the construction of 15 units of 2-storey barangay hall buildings for the province. (Marhom Ibrahim/BIO)
COTABATO CITY – Fifteen (15) units of two-storey barangay halls are expected to rise in the province of Tawi-Tawi following the signing of an agreement between Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo and Provincial Governor Yshmael Sali held here on November 22.
The accord sets the stage for the immediate construction of the said buildings to ensure a swift turnover to priority barangays in Tawi-Tawi, with a primary focus on those lacking or having damaged barangay halls.
With a total budget of P83-million from the MILG, the fund utilization shall be in three tranches: first tranche with 50% of the approved project cost, second tranche with 40%, and the third tranche with 10%.
Minister Sinarimbo explained that there are guidelines in choosing the priority recipient barangays.
“Una, yung wala. Ikalawa yung may mga sira-sirang barangay hall. Sa katunayan 50% approved project cost ay kaagad-agad na ring ibibigay para kaagad ding masimulan,” he said.
[First, those that lack it. Second, those with damaged barangay halls. In fact, 50% of the approved project cost will be immediately handed to them to expedite its completion.]
The minister further highlighted that the BARMM Government is firm in its dedication to supporting Tawi-Tawi, underscoring the province’s great potential waiting to be tapped, and the foreseen high returns on investments, boosting the community’s economic activities.
“Lahat naman ng province sa BARMM pinaglalaanan ng mga projects ng ating Chief Minister. In particular, we are very keen on developing Tawi-Tawi. Ang Tawi-Tawi malaki ang potensyal, lalo na sa turismo. Itong mga proyekto natin inaasahan na mataas ang return on investment, na magpapabuti sa ating ekonomiya. Natutuwa kami kasi sobrang welcoming ni Gov. sa projects ng BARMM,” Sinarimbo expressed.
[The Chief Minister is allocating projects to all of BARMM’s provinces. In particular, we are very keen on developing Tawi-Tawi. It has great potential, especially in tourism. We are expecting a high return of investment that will revitalize our economy. We are glad that Gov. is welcoming of the projects of BARMM.]
Governor Sali shared that having barangay halls is a necessity, especially in the efficient service delivery of the local leaders and the instrumentality of the edifice in easing people’s access to government projects and services.
“Matatawag na talaga silang barangay kasi magkakaroon na sila ng sariling barangay hall. Madali na rin silang (barangay leaders) malalapitan ng mga tao dahil may lugar na para sa kanilang mga proyekto,” Sali said.
[They will be truly called a barangay because they will soon have their own barangay hall. People can now easily approach the barangay leaders because there is a place for their projects.]
The continuous provision of infrastructure to Tawi-Tawi is given primacy by the regional government to foster progress and development as part of its broader campaign to enhance the Bangsamoro’s quality of life. (Bai Omairah Yusop/BIO)
