Ten out of 50 beneficiaries from Barangay Nabalawag, Barira, Maguindanao del Norte (MDN), expressed heartfelt joy after receiving symbolic keys to their new homes during the Ceremonial Turnover of Housing Units by the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD), the housing arm of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The event, held at the MHSD Regional Office Conference Room within the Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City was part of the ongoing celebration of the National Shelter Month this year.

Despite unexpected challenges faced by the Ministry in completing the housing units, the ceremony for the “Construction of 50-Unit Resettlement Housing with Land Development” project, funded under the General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro (GAAB) 2021, was successfully carried out.

Minister Atty. Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra led the MHSD team and emphasized in his message that during times of war, homes are often affected and destroyed, contributing to the over 300,000 housing backlog in BARMM.

“Today, we are reaping the fruits of the sacrifices made by the Mujahideen. We at MHSD will build homes and structures, and you will transform them into homes that will be a haven for every Bangsamoro family,” the Minister stated.

Meanwhile, Director General Esmael W. Ebrahim announced upcoming projects in Barira, some from the National Housing Authority and others funded by the Special Development Fund (SDF).

Alex D. Sulay, representing Abdulkudos ‘Jimmy’ P. Balitok, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS), expressed gratitude on behalf of their local partnership and pledged their commitment to maintaining peace, faith, and understanding in the area.

Hassana B. Balitoc, a beneficiary, was overcome with emotion as she recalled the struggles her parents endured for peace in the region.

“We can consider these housing units as homes for the Mujahideen, because many of us are their children who lost their homes in fires, and some even said that they are dying and they cannot still afford a house or a home,” Balitoc shared.

MHSD-Maguindanao Provincial Director Noroden S. Abdullah welcomed the participants to the awarding ceremony, urging the beneficiaries to love and support each other in their community.

The program concluded with a message from Abdulhamid C. Alawi, Jr, Chief of the Housing and Human Settlements Division, who informed the attendees that MHSD’s role extends beyond the awarding ceremony, including organizing beneficiaries into a Homeowners’ Association (HOA).