One hundred (100) families in Kadayangan and Nabalawag of the Special Geographic Area (SGA) received free housing units from the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, the Housing Arm of the BARMM, in the awarding ceremony conducted on August 12, 2024 as part of its celebration of the MHSD Week this year.

Fifty (50) of the units were awarded to families from Brgy. Kapinpilan, Kadayangan where the awarding ceremony took place in a covered court, and the other 50 units were awarded to beneficiaries in Brgy. Nabalawag, Nabalawag. Both projects were funded under the General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro (GAAB) 2022.

Minister Atty. Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the MHSD, highlighted the diverse representation of the ministry’s top management, reflecting the ethnic balance of the Bangsamoro region.

“Our leadership reflects the diverse tapestry of the Bangsamoro,” Minister Barra stated, highlighting the team’s ethnic representation. “I am Maranao from Lanao del Sur, Deputy Minister Aldin H. Asiri is Tausug from the island provinces, and Director General Esmael W. Ebrahim is Maguindanaon from the Province of Maguindanao,” he said.

He stressed the importance of tailoring projects to the specific geographic and cultural needs of the communities in every part of the region.

“The MHSD builds houses but we want you [the beneficiaries] to turn these houses into homes with peace, love, mercy and compassion. Preserve the gains of the Bangsamoro struggle beginning in the home,” Minister Barra remarked.

BDG Ebrahim reassured the beneficiaries that the MHSD is committed to bridging the housing gap in the region in partnership with the trustworthy partners. He emphasized the ministry’s goal of providing housing for every barangay in the BARMM territories, continuously improving the design of the units.

“We look forward to future awarding ceremonies in Maguindanao del Norte, as well as in the other provinces; the BARMM government will not rest until Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim’s dream of a developed and progressive Bangsamoro is attained as the fruit of the mujahideen’s struggle,” BDG Ebrahim emphasized.

Salem C. Demuna, Director II for Operations and Management Services urged everyone to say alhamdulillah for the blessings at hand, bismillah for the incoming developments and in shaa Allah for more projects to come.

Hamzah A. Salik, Provincial Director of MHSD-SGA urged the new residents to be grateful for the blessings received from the BARMM Government. He then cautioned them against greed referencing the story of Prophet Musa who was punished by Allah SWT for his people’s ungratefulness and discontentment.

Hon. Mohammad Kelie U. Antao, Member of the Parliament delivered a passionate message about the future maintenance and sustainability of the newly established communities, showcasing the masjids (mosques) currently under construction in each community as symbols of moral governance

“Pray in gratitude for the blessings received,” he urged the residents, also gifting each family 5kg of rice to welcome them to their new homes.

Muslimin Kompanyer represented the beneficiaries of Kadayangan while Abas A. Alamada represented those from Nabalawag, and both delivered messages of gratitude and commitment to maintain the units they received and uphold unity in the community.

Messages were also shared by Butch P. Malang, SGA Development Authority Administrator, Hon. Mayor Duma M. Mascud, OIC-Mayor of Kadayangan and Hon. Anwar Z. Saluwang, OIC-Mayor of Nabalawag.