The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD), the housing arm of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), conducted turnover ceremonies for two training centers in Indanan, Sulu on November 5, 2024.

The first center to open for the community after the ceremony was a multipurpose, two-storey human development training center in Barangay Kajatian. The second was a multipurpose, one-storey human development training center in Barangay Pasil.

Both projects, funded under the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) 2021 under the Office of Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Adzfar H. Usman, are now available for the development of knowledge and capacity building for various sectors in the community.

The MHSD effectively managed the implementation of the project through its technical staff, from the regional office to the MHSD-Sulu Provincial Office.

Deputy Minister Aldin H. Asiri, representing Minister Atty. Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra, officially turned over the training centers to the local government unit (LGU), which will ensure the project’s sustainability for the benefit of the beneficiaries.

“Even when we were students thirty years ago, we were already thinking about how to help our communities. Now we are here, happy to be part of this project and this historic event,” said Deputy Minister Asiri.

He also highlighted the importance of the training centers in addressing the diverse needs of sectors such as youth, women, and religious leaders.

Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Director General Esmael W. Ebrahim conveyed his heartfelt message to the community, stating that the project symbolizes the BARMM’s support and love for Sulu. He also shared the rigorous process undertaken by the MHSD to ensure the project’s success.

The LGU, represented by Municipal Administrator Ferdausia S. Muksan, gladly accepted the responsibility on behalf of Hon. Mayor Hermot D. Jikiri.

The official expressed gratitude to the project proponent and implementer for choosing the two barangays in Indanan as locations for the projects, confirming that they will significantly contribute to the development of technical skills for various sectors.

MP Usman emphasized that the project is truly for Sulu and the Tausug people, with the training center’s design tailored to the area and the community’s needs. It also acknowledges the significant role played by the ulama’.

“The BARMM is incomplete without Sulu. We are here to support the MHSD and the people at all times,” MP Usman stressed.

In his opening message, Director for Technical and Regulatory Service (TRS) Suharto S. Wahab stated that the project is timely and aligned with the BARMM’s 12-Point Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030.

He further explained that the project is tripartite, coining the acronym TRI, where T represents the technical aspect, representing the MHSD, R stands for resources, representing MP Usman’s Office, and I represents the institution, the LGU, which will maintain the project.

Provincial Director Atty. Najira S. Hassan of MHSD-Sulu warmly welcomed the officials and participants at the event in Kajatian, expressing their commitment to ensuring the project’s fruitful results.

The turnover ceremony in Pasil was held at the training center’s location, specifically at Camp Yusop Jikiri, which served as a camp for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).