Top management of the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, the Housing Arm of the BARMM, reconvened with a series of plenary meetings to learn and enhance the Ministry’s operations on September 26-28, 2022.
Dialogue between Provincial Directors (PDs) and Chiefs from the Regional Office were extensive throughout the three-day activity, picking up and leveling off discussions from the Midyear Assessment last September 8-11, which evolved to discussions on ways forward for both the Regional and Provincial Offices.
The first two days of the action planning were conducted at the MHSD Operations Center, Bishop Mongeau St., Cotabato City, where PDs voiced plans and concerns which were presented and addressed on the last day, held at the Conference Room within the MHSD Regional Office, Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City.
Highlight topic of discussion included guidelines on the selection of beneficiaries for Resettlement Projects nearing completion, presented by Engr. Yasser M. Rapun, Chief of Housing and Human Settlements Division, and facilitated by Atty. Nasihah S. Mamarungcas, Head of Legal Section.
PDs were informed that the guidelines are subject to changes based on fund source and needs of each location, but will ultimately aim to serve the Bangsamoro as stipulated in the Minsitry’s mandates.
Administrative matters relating to the Provincial Offices’ operations were also discussed, such as travel details and project activities, to ensure the safety and smooth work of staff when carrying out the Ministry’s mandates within the provinces.
Minister Atty. Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra reiterated a hadith about good workers who continuously work with excellence and perfection, one of the Ministry’s main taglines, during his opening message.
“We work with excellence and perfection for the ministry to do its mandate for the development of the Bangsamoro people and territory; for the pleasure of Allah SWT. We are not perfect like the Qur’an or the hadith, so we check and review and make each other better. As we go along, we hope we are leaving the ministry at better than it was,” He said.
Minister Barra also shared upcoming activities, such as the Project TABANG (Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan) in Basilan the following week, where the Ministry’s projects will be visited for progress monitoring, and info-graphic leaflets be distributed at the booths.
Director General Esmael W. Ebrahim reminded participants that the 2nd Action Planning session wil not be the last, and that many more meetings are to come for the continuous betterment of the Ministry.
DG Ebrahim also shared his gratitude for the reappointment of Minister Barra, reassured that many planned activities are sure to continue, so long as all keep in mind each other’s needs and are willing to commit their full support and cooperation.