P289M infra projects slated for BARMM

P289-million worth of infrastructure projects are set to grace the provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) region after recently getting the green light for construction, assured through Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim's Support to Local Moral Governance (SLMG) program.

Public markets, barangay halls, a public terminal, and a legislative building among other plans comprised the memoranda of agreement (MOA) signed with Interior and Local Government Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo and 18 local government units in the region.

Two-storey barangay halls will be constructed at some villages in the towns of Balindong, Marantao, Pagayawan, Calanogas, Malabang, Kapai, and Tamparan in Lanao del Sur; Parang and Buldon in Maguindanao del Norte; and in Cotabato City.

"Our hope is that the projects will improve governance in the LGUs and benefit our constituents," said Minister Sinarimbo.

Furthermore, six public markets will also rise at the towns of Albraka, Hadji Muhammad Ajul, and Lamitan City in Basilan; Sitangkai in Tawi-Tawi; Kapatagan in Lanao del Sur; and Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao del Norte.

Also part of the infra projects is a public terminal in Malabang, Lanao del Sur and a legislative building in Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte.

The respective LGUs will implement the projects while the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will monitor their progress.

In a statement, Chief Minister Ebrahim stressed the importance of infrastructure projects for the region in particular: "BARMM is focused on laying down solid foundations all over the region, foundations that we can use to further strengthen the delivery of even the most basic services to the people."

Present as well during the MOA signing was Pagayawan Mayor Khalida Sanguila who said, "We have been longing to have a barangay hall for a long time, even if is it's just one, it's a big thing for us, how much more if we have five barangay halls? Thank you so much to the Bangsamoro Government."

According to Minister Sinarimbo, MILG is currently implementing the construction of 250 barangays halls across the region, with another 100 next year. He said the goal is to complete 600 village halls by 2025 which the BARMM government promised to the LGUs of the region.