COTABATO CITY – Through the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA), eight infrastructure projects are underway for indigenous communities in Maguindanao del Sur and del Norte.
The infra projects, amounting to a total ofPhp61.9-million, was funded under the 2021 Special Development Fund (SDF). These included:
- Tribal hall at Brgy. Pura in Datu Odin Sinsuat;
- Tribal Hall at Brgy. Bugabungan in Upi;
- Tribal Hall at Brgy. Ranao Pilayan in Upi;
- Tribal Hall at Brgy. Looy in South Upi;
- Water system level II at Brgy. Kinitaan in Upi;
- Water system level II at Brgy. Kabinge in Datu Saudi Ampatuan;
- Indigenous Peoples Peace Hall at Brgy. Talisawa in Datu Abdullah Sangki; and
- 50 units core shelters at Brgy. Limpongo in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan.
MIPA Minister Melanio Ulama, who led the groundbreaking ceremonies on Jan. 12, 13, and 17, ensured that the ministry will continue to provide quality services and protect the welfare of every indigenous people in the Bangsamoro region.
For instance, he said the tribal halls are important as it will serve as a venue for the IPs to gather during important occasions such as tribal meetings, wedding, and rituals, among others. (Myrna Tepadan/BIO with reports from MIPA)
