Minister Atty. Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra of the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD), the Housing Arm of the BARMM, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Al-Barka, Basilan to ensure proper implementation of housing development project in the municipality, held at the Conference Room of the MHSD Regional Office, Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City on December 21, 2022.

Minister Barra signed the MOA with Hon. Mayor Jaydeefar J. Lajid of Al-Barka with Esmael W. Ebrahim, MHSD Bangsamoro Director General (BDG) and Engr. Fahadz S. Isain, Al-Barka Municipal Engineer, as witnesses.

Minister Barra shared that the Bangsamoro Government is not limited to helping people within the BARMM Territories but is also endeavoring to help those outside the territory, reason why the MHSD has Infrastructure Projects outside the region, such as those in Davao and Lanao del Norte.

Based on the Construction Plan Design and Program of Works, turned over during the MOA signing, the Project that is funded under the Special Development Fund (SDF) 2021, will be established in Tebbud, Brgy. Danapah, and will have three components.

Fifty (50) housing units will be constructed coupled with land development and solar-powered water system level II.

The land development will include concreting of subdivision road network with line canal and solar streetlights.

Minister Barra officially opened the program highlighting the linkage between the MHSD and the Government of Al-Barka through the signing. He is happy that despite the limited budget and resources of the Ministry, it is still able to reach out to all corners of the Bangsamoro.

“Today, we sign this MOA not only as a requirement in the Government, but also a requirement in Islam, which defines our responsibilities. Remember that whatever we agree on, Allah (SWT) is our greatest witness,” he said.

BDG Ebrahim, welcomed the LGU of Al-Barka and expressed his gratitude for the blessings from Allah (SWT), one of which is the Housing Projects for the families in Basilan.

Meanwhile, Salem C. Demuna, Director II for the Operations and Management Services, formally concluded the program reminding everyone of the Bangsamoro Government’s sincerity in empowering its constituents and the communities.

He also thanked BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim for supporting all the Housing Projects at top priority so far.

“Through this MOA signing, we will be able to help fulfill the dreams of our Bangsamoro People,” Director Demuna said.

Mayor Lajid expressed his gratitude to the MHSD, especially to the Top Management for the unending support to the island provinces.

“The Al-Barka LGU is very honored to have this MOA signing as this marks this significant event,” he said, followed by his commitment to improve the lives of the local people in building strong and thriving communities.