The members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for MHSD Structural Strengthening convened for the first time at the Golden Lace Resto, Cotabato City on May 25, 2021.

The meeting aimed at discussing initially the significant and specific steps in addressing the result of the review where it was found out that the MHSD’s mandates provided in the Bangsamoro Administrative Code (Book VI, Title VI), do not cover comprehensively all the ministry’s powers and functions.

A TWG was then created to redefine and work for the proposed inclusions on the mandates, powers, functions, and organizational structure of the ministry to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services. The TWG is chaired by Atty. Nasihah S. Mamarungcas, Legal Officer IV of the MHSD.

Minister Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra actively supported the TWG and inspired its members by exemplifying through a story, the significance of prioritization and proper planning and execution.

Atty. Mamarungcas led the discussion of the key issues of the ministry’s mandates and possible recommendations as kickoff for the brainstorming.

On the issues on organizational structure, Chief Abdulhamid C. Alawi, Jr. of the MHSD’s Policy and Land Use Division presented the current structure of the ministry and discussed their comparisons with the structure of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and National Housing Authority (NHA).

During the plenary session with the TWG members and secretariat, it was decided to conduct a more comprehensive discussion per division and section to thoroughly identify the components to be improved.

As agreed, the results of the division-level discussion will be presented on the next TWG meeting-workshop tentatively scheduled on June 16-17, 2021.