THE Ministry of Human Settlements and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MHSD-Barmm) has turned over houses to 150 Badjao families in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, providing them access to safe housing and essential facilities.
The housing units were built in Doh-Tong village, Simunul, through the Office of the Chief Minister's Kapayapaan sa Pamayanan (Kapyanan) program, in collaboration with MHSD and the Ministry of Public Works (MPW).
The project includes not only permanent shelters but also a mosque, school building, health station, access road, footbridge, and other community-support facilities.
Barmm Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali led the turnover ceremony of the project on Tuesday, June 24. They were joined by several Barmm Parliament members, provincial board members, local executives, and representatives from BARMM ministries.
Macacua said the project reflects moral governance by providing not just shelter, but a path to justice and inclusivity in Barmm.
"For me, this is not just a housing project. It is proof that moral governance brings positive impact-a home for our Badjao brothers and sisters, and a step toward a just and inclusive Bangsamoro," Macacua said.
The Badjaos, also known as the Sama Dilaut, are one of the 13 Moro ethno-linguistic groups. Known for their seafaring skills, they play a vital role in the region's marine economy.
Sali expressed support for expanding the complex with additional facilities, including a madrasah and a multipurpose court.
The Kapyanan program, a flagship initiative of the Office of the Chief Minister, provides decent and dignified housing for the poorest of the poor, internally displaced persons, former combatants' families, indigenous peoples, and other disadvantaged Barmm communities. (SunStar Zamboanga)