The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, the Housing Arm of the BARMM, through Bangsamoro Director General Esmael W. Ebrahim, welcomed The Asia Foundation’s (TAF) Deputy Country Representative (DCR) Myn Garcia and her party during their courtesy visit to the Ministry’s regional office at the Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City on February 14, 2023.

BDG Ebrahim discussed future collaborative efforts with DCR Garcia, especially the capacity development training programs for MHSD employees to better serve the Bangsamoro.

Also discussed was the strengthened partnership with TAF and the University of the Philippines Strategic Research and Management Foundation, Inc. (UPSTREAM) through the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) virtually signed in April 2022.

During the meeting, Deputy Rep Garcia was accompanied by Noraida S. Chio, TAF Senior Program Officer.

BDG Ebrahim was with Suharto S. Wahab, EnP, REA, REB, Director for Technical and Regulatory Services, Zuhaira U. Ebrahim, RN, Housing and Homesite Regulation Officer, and Bai Shahani T. Tan, Administrative Assistant.

“We are fortunate enough because of the continuing technical assistance given to us from TAF,” BDG Ebrahim said.

DCR Garcia has an extensive experience in international development and diplomacy in bilateral and multilateral contexts covering 49 countries for over 20 years. As an executive leader, she has successfully led strategic planning, change management, catalytic development programming, delivering operational outcomes, and achieving long-term visions.

A TAF-led meeting is scheduled later this February for the MHSD to present and discuss future programs.