The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, the Housing Arm of the BARMM, joined the culmination program of the celebration of Special Geographic Area (SGA)’s 5th Founding Anniversary held in Brgy. Libungan Toreta, Pigcawayan Cluster, SGA on February 15, 2024.

Led by Engr. Normelyn A. Ibad, OIC-Provincial Director (PD) for SGA, the MHSD team witnessed every highlight of the program where recognition and awards were ceremoniously distributed to outstanding individuals for exemplary service and commitment and key contributors.

With the theme “Celebrating Unity, Peace and Progress in Special Geographic Area-BARMM” the program featured messages of support and solidarity and testimonials of development and the peace progress..

“Libungan Toreta is a place filled with profound historical significance for our Bangsamoro leaders during their enduring battles. Through this founding anniversary, as we listened to the speakers, it felt as though they were taking us on a journey through the struggles and triumphs of the Bangsamoro people, reflecting on the arduous path from humble beginnings to our current standing. As they mentioned, this journey is the culmination of the relentless struggles endured by the Bangsamoro, symbolized by the poignant phrase from the Bangsamoro hymn, “bunga ng pawis, dugo at buhay” (the fruit of sweat, blood, and lives). Alhamdulillah, this celebration serves both a solemn reminder and a fervent call to action, urging us to redouble our efforts, work even harder, and provide exemplary services to uplift and empower the Bangsamoro people,” PD Ibad said.

As of the culmination program, the MHSD has projects with a total of 150 housing units in Pigcawayan, SGA, 50 of which had been awarded in Brgy. Buricain, another 50 are pending awarding in Brgy. Simsiman and the remaining 50 are under construction in Brgy. Upper and Lower Pangangkalan.

Also under construction are 50 housing units in Brgy. Nabalawag and another 50 in Brgy. Crossing Kapinpilan, both in Midsayap. These projects are funded under the General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro (GAAB) 2021-2022 and Special Development Fund 2020.