Rooted in the vision of Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim on moral governance, the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, the Housing Arm of the BARMM, once again showcased its advocacy to reach all corners of the Bangsamoro, by signing another memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Local Government Unit (LGU) for 50 more units of resettlement housing project in Akbar, Basilan.
Signing in behalf of the MHSD were Minister Atty. Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra and Deputy Minister Aldin H. Asiri and for the LGU were Hon. Mayor Alih A. Sali and Municipal Engineer Rosemalyn C. Mamburan. The activity happened today, April 24, 2024, at the Conference Room of the MHSD Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City.
Minister Barra paraphrased Imam Malik bin Anas in his opening message, reminding all those who witnessed the signing that they will not prosper without learning from and following the footsteps of those who came before.
“We have to uphold our accountability and keep in mind those that we are accountable to in every step we take in ensuring that every single member of the Bangsamoro will taste the sweetness of moral governance,” he emphasized.
Bangsamoro Director General (BDG) Esmael W. Ebrahim, warmly welcomed the participants, explaining how the project’s site, Barangay Semmut, was chosen for it being an area that has not received similar government aide in years.
“The Chief Minister dreams that no Bangsamoro will be left behind. Thus, the MHSD does its best to make sure that every Bangsamoro will receive their due service and assistance,” BDG Ebrahim said.
Mayor Sali was overwhelmed with emotion when he conveyed his utmost gratitude to the MHSD for projects reaching Akbar. With a shaky voice, he recalled the first 50 housing units in Bato-Bato, which he signed MOA for in January, this year. Funded under the Special Development Fund (SDF) 2022, the project had its groundbreaking in Lower and Upper Bato-Bato last month.
Ibrahim M. Haruddain, Provincial Director (PD) of MHSD-Basilan, recalled his youth when he witnessed the mujahiddeen, some his own kins and his father, struggle for self-determination. Now, as the direct partner for the project’s implementation, he committed to assist and monitor the project the same way his office was able to ensure the turnover of 50 housing units in Brgy. Tipo-Tipo Proper and 100 housing units in Brgy. Baguindan, both in Tipo-Tipo last December 2023.
Deputy Minister Aldin H. Asiri concluded the signing by lauding Basilan for its continuous successes in completing the MHSD’s housing projects and awarding the housing units. He hoped for its continued accomplishments and encouraged working closely with the LGU throughout the project’s implementation.
The MOA stipulates the significant details including the responsibilities expected of the MHSD and the LGU. The latter will implement the construction of 50 housing units in Brgy. Semmut, each having three bedrooms, a living-dining area, a porch entrance, a back kitchen-service area and toilet.
Meanwhile, the MHSD will monitor the construction progress to ensure quality, and assist in the process of funding through the General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro (GAAB) 2024, explained Samantha Jean E. Wee, Architect III of the MHSD.
