The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD), the Housing Arm of BARMM, awarded the first fifty (50) housing units to beneficiaries in Tawi-Tawi, specifically in Brgy. Doh-Tong, Simunul, where the first mosque in the Philippines, Sheikh Karimul Makhdum, is located, held on August 6, 2024.

“The activity was historic as it marked the first awarding ceremony of MHSD and Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Province of Tawi-Tawi, happening in the town of Simunul,” said Deputy Minister Aldin H. Asiri, who also serves as the Focal Person of MHSD in the island provinces.

Funded by the Special Development Fund (SDF) 2020, the project titled ‘Construction of 50 Units Resettlement Housing Project with Land Development’ was realized by MHSD in partnership with the LGU of Tawi-Tawi under the leadership of Hon. Governor Ishmael “Mang’ I. Sali.

The houses were given for free to families in need in the area, all of whom underwent thorough profiling to ensure that the houses were awarded to the most deserving recipients.

“This is another proof of the BARMM government’s deep care for the people of Tawi-Tawi as almost every town in the province has a housing project established by MHSD,” emphasized Minister Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra, who led the group from MHSD.

“This is a result of the sincerity of your governor and the LGUs in implementing the project; may you make these houses we built for you your homes,” added the minister.

Meanwhile, Director General Esmael W. Ebrahim assured that the BARMM government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, will continue to support Bangsamoro families around the region.

Representing Hon. Governor Sali, Hon. Board Member Abduljamil S. Ishmael, Al-Haj expressed the former’s apologies for not being able to attend for he needed to be at another important activity for Tawi-Tawi.

“This project is a token of compassion for the people in this community, may many more projects be implemented in our province,” Hon. Board Member Ishmael said.

In his message of support, Hon. Vice Mayor Ershad T. Abdurahman of Simunul first expressed his joy for the significant project received by families in the town.

“This project symbolizes a brighter future for the people of Simunul,” described Vice Mayor Abdurahman, representing Hon. Mayor Wasilah T. Abdurahman.

As a representative of the beneficiaries, Datuh Alizar B. Maindan wholeheartedly thanked the implementers for fulfilling their long-time dream of having decent houses.

Also actively participating in the activity were Director II for Operations and Management (OMS) Salem S. Demuna and key personnel from various offices, divisions, and sections of the MHSD Regional Office, Provincial Director Sabturani U. Bakil, and his team who effectively managed the activity.

From the LGU-Tawi-Tawi, Hon. Board Members Nurshadar D. Matba, Melhan Masdal, and Mahmud Bawasanta were also actively involved.

The Ministry, with the LGUs awarded another 50 housing units to the rightful beneficiaries in Brgy.  Pababag, Bongao on the same day for the resettlement housing project that was also funded under SDF 2020.