The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, the Housing Arm of the BARMM, presented its mandate and infrastructure projects to a delegation of Malaysian investors, led by Hon. Marjanie S. Macasalong, Member of the Parliament and Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) Chairperson.

The presentation took place at the Conference Room of the MHSD Regional Office, Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City on July 10, 2024.

During the event, Abdulhamid C. Alawi, Jr., Chief of the Housing and Human Settlements Division, provided an overview of the Ministry, including a video highlighting the latest housing units awarded and under construction across BARMM territories.

Meanwhile, Engr. Zainodin A. Buisan, Chief of Planning and Design Division introduced the recently launched interactive map showcasing the locations and statuses of MHSD projects throughout the BARMM accessible through the MHSD website (mhsd.bangsamoro.gov.ph).

The map, developed and maintained by the Monitoring and Evaluation Division, visually represents the Ministry’s infrastructure projects, including housing units and training centers.

MP Macasalong lauded the MHSD for the implementation of projects, specifically mentioning the groundbreaking ceremony in January for the construction of 200 housing units in Barangay Malimono, Marawi City under the Marawi Rehabilitation Program (MRP) which he personally witnessed.

Discussions during the meeting centered on investment opportunities in housing and land use, particularly focusing on the Ministry’s Housing Loan projects. Additionally, potential investments were explored to address essential needs in developing communities that have received physical housing units but require infrastructure such as access roads and water systems.

With Chief Alawi and Chief Buisan during the meeting was L.Archt. Jehanna M. Abdulkarim, Chief of Policy Development, Coordination and Regulation Division.

The Malaysian investor delegation included Dr. Maszlee Malik, Chairman, and Mohd Faiz Md Nawi, Special Officer for International Affairs, both from the International Institute for Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS), Harris Arumugam, Samporna Trading Corporation and Javerd Nizar FDAM, Producer for the activity’s Film Documentary.

MP Macasalong was accompanied by his staff and Datu Jihad Abbas, Vice President for Corporate Affairs of the Bangsa Moro Federal Business Council.