The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, the Housing Arm of the BARMM organized coordination meetings on January 10, 2024, to bring together key stakeholders, including representatives from Pag-IBIG Fund, to identify initial prospective beneficiaries and to discuss and strategize on the establishment of a proposed Low-Cost Housing Program in Marawi City.

Spearheaded by the Housing and Human Settlements Division (HHSD) and supported by Minister Atty. Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra, the first meeting was held at the BunkHouse ARC in Matalim, Malabang, Lanao del Sur with the Board of Directors of the Matling Multipurpose Cooperative.

“The BARMM is committed to serving the best interests of the Bangsamoro people. Hopefully we can better help the Bangsamoro by developing the prospective areas of our proposed project. In doing so, we recognize the importance of coordinating with other Ministries for additional services, such as health facilities and schools. This is how we work in the Bangsamoro. We are not just building houses, we are building communities,” Minister Barra said during the meeting.

The next meeting was with officials of Mindanao State University (MSU) Campus Marawi City headed by Atty. Saaduddin M. Alauya, Jr., CPA, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance.

Prospective beneficiaries of the Low-Cost Housing Program include members of the Cooperative and the faculty staff of MSU-Marawi City.

Abdulhamid C. Alawi, Jr., HHSD Chief, presented the MHSD’s mandate, emphasizing the various housing projects implemented by the ministry, showcasing those awarded and those under construction, as well as the framework for housing loans.

“This collaborative effort underscored the commitment to providing affordable housing solutions and meaningful impact,” said Chief Alawi.

Additionally, Broi Barba, Public Relations Officer from Pag-IBIG Fund, presented the standards for Regular Housing and Affordable Housing Loans, covering aspects such as amortization, interest rates and insurance coverage.