War widows get BARMM aid

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, has been providing financial support to the widows of war in the region since the inception of the Bangsamoro Integrated Rehabilitation and Development or BIRD Program.

MILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo stated that approximately 350 war widows from the Pikit Cluster of the Special Geographic Area each received P50,000 in cash assistance on Wednesday.

Sinarimbo emphasized that the primary goal of this assistance is to improve the quality of life for these widows, who have been single-handedly raising their families since losing their husbands in the Bangsamoro's struggle for freedom and self-determination.

Minister Sinarimbo highlighted the challenges faced by the widows, particularly their advanced age, which makes earning a living difficult.

"Even couples who are both alive struggle to make ends meet due to their circumstances — living in a developing country with limited opportunities and being at the forefront of conflict," Sinarimbo said.

"That's why the Bangsamoro Government immediately considered providing them with cash assistance so they could decide whether to use it for their children's education, medical needs, or other immediate necessities," he added.

Wilma Madato, representative of the widows in the Pikit Cluster, emphasized the program's significance for the beneficiaries.

She acknowledged that while the financial assistance cannot erase the sorrow of losing their husbands, the program is a tremendous help to them.

"Through this, they can feel that they are part of BARMM, a cause for which their husbands have sacrificed their lives," Sinarimbo said.