Representatives from seven Local Government Units (LGUs) in Basilan expressed their gratitude for the technical assistance provided by the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD), the Housing Arm of BARMM, in developing and updating their Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).

The workshop was held from November 26-28, 2024 at the Blue Lotus Hotel in Davao City.

The activity was spearheaded by the Environment Land Use and Urban Development Division (ELUUDD) of the Technical and Regulatory Service (TRS) in strong collaboration with MHSD-Basilan.

It was attended by members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) from the LGUs of Akbar, Lamitan City, Lantawan, Mohammad Ajul, Sumisip, Tabuan Lasa, and Tuburan.

The MHSD team was led by Suharto S. Wahab, Director II for TRS; Atty. Janice-zah M. Macapantar, Chief of ELUUDD, and Provincial Director of MHSD-Basilan Ibrahim M. Haruddain.

Through the workshop, the completion of necessary sectoral data and various maps for the finalization of the CLUP became possible. Upon completion, this will be submitted for approval and serve as the official basis for land use for various development projects.

To ensure the accurate gathering and recording of data, participants were guided and trained by Ali M. Macadaag, Housing and Homesite Regulation Officer (HHRO) IV of MHSD. He explained the importance and use of the scalogram and the integration of Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA).

Meanwhile, the mapping teams of the LGUs were guided and assisted by Arturo B. Racaza, Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist; Marjan P. Saminoden, Project Development Assistant and GIS Specialist; Addan B. Abdullah, GIS Mapper; Leamir M. Sakal, Administrative Assistant; and Ibeamer O. Singson, Administrative Assistant V.

The LGUs also had the opportunity to present their completed data and maps, where Director Wahab, Chief Macapantar, PD Haruddain, HHRO Macadaag, and other participants provided valuable suggestions and comments for completion and necessary improvements.

PD Haruddain stated that they will continue to provide technical assistance to the LGUs until their CLUP is finalized. He believes that the best people are those who work to benefit others, and the best service is one that brings joy and peace of mind to the recipients.