BARMM boosts infra planning

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), through its Ministry of Public Works (MPW), held a technical services coordination meeting to strengthen infrastructure planning across the region.

MPW Basilan District Engineer Kasim Hasanin said the meeting brought together engineers from all District Engineering Offices (MPW-DEOs) involved in the planning and design of infrastructure projects.

According to Hasanin, the gathering aimed to align efforts and ensure that infrastructure programs for 2025 are timely, well-prepared, and responsive to community needs.

MPW Chief of the Planning and Programming Division, Engr. Macabai Pangamadun, provided an overview of the program and led discussions on district-level concerns.

Discussions focused on reviewing submitted projects, checking the status of E-BARMM data entries, validating proposed flagship projects, and aligning plans with the Bangsamoro Development Investment Program.

Participants were also reminded of the need for stronger coordination and collaboration across offices to streamline processes and avoid delays.

MPW Director for Technical Services, Salonga A. Sumampao, stressed the importance of open and regular communication.

“We need to have this regular coordination meeting to update our activities, especially this year, when we need to help update the enlistment program,” Salonga said.

He underscored the value of teamwork and timely updates in keeping the region’s infrastructure goals on track.

MPW Director General Danilo Ong, meanwhile, thanked all attendees for their dedication and reminded them of the broader impact of their work.

“These are more than technical outputs. Behind every plan submitted is a story of families, of far-flung areas waiting to be connected. These stories give meaning to our numbers and urgency to our mission,” he said.

He urged participants to remain purpose-driven, mindful that their work directly benefits students, farmers and underserved communities.

Among the participants who expressed strong support for the program were Engr. Rasul Piang (Cotabato City DEO) and Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul (Sulu 1st DEO).

Hasanin said the meeting marked a significant step toward BARMM’s vision of a stronger, more connected and inclusive Bangsamoro.

The collaboration and commitment shown by all participants signal a promising year ahead for infrastructure development in the region, Hasanin added.