THE new geographical areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) from North Cotabato province to Cotabato City are set to receive P1.8 billion worth of infrastructure projects from the regional government this year.

Eduard Guerra, Minister of Public Works (MPW) in Barmm, said Monday, February 22, that the P1.8-billion allocation is part of ministry's appropriations for 2021 worth more than P15 billion.

Guerra said the infrastructure projects would usher in development to the opt-in areas and would boost its economic activities.

"These projects will stimulate economic activities in the areas, and will also improve people's access to social services," Guerra said.

The new geographical areas of Barmm include the 63 villages in North Cotabato province and Cotabato City that opted to be part of the region during a plebiscite in 2019.

Guerra said 63 road projects, three bridge projects, and a slope protection project all worth P1.48 billion will be constructed in the 63 villages in North Cotabato province.

He said Cotabato City is set to receive this year P370 million worth of projects.

He said the construction of the projects is part of MPW's vision of increasing strategic and climate-resilient infrastructure to support sustainable socio-economic development in Barmm. (SunStar Zamboanga)