THE Ministry of Public Works in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MPW-Barmm) began three major infrastructure projects in Maluso, Basilan province to improve road access, reduce flooding, and boost the local economy.
The projects include a new road in Sitio Badjao, Barangay Port Holland Zone II, a triple-barrel concrete culvert in Sitio Malimban, and a connector road from the national highway to Mubarak Village, both located in Barangay Taberlongan.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the projects took place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Maluso Mayor Kaiser Hataman, Vice Mayor Ahmad Rugasan Daud, Municipal Engineer Merhasser Hassim, and representatives from the project contractor attended the event.
Project Engineer Madznur Estajal of the Basilan District Engineering Office stated the Sitio Badjao road project addresses an area that becomes inaccessible during heavy rains. "It's their main route," Estajal said, referring to residents. "The purpose is to prevent damage to their agricultural products, which are their primary livelihood."
Residents and village officials welcomed the new developments, citing a long-standing need for better infrastructure.
"We thank MPW-Barmm and our local officials because, for the first time, Sitio Badjao has a road project. Thank you very much," said Faidar Jaafar, village chief of Port Holland Zone II.
Nurham Sambalani, a Taberlongan village resident, expressed gratitude for the bridge repairs. "To Barmm, thank you very much. They have fixed the bridge for us. For years, we struggled to cross here," Sambalani said. He added that previously, "When it rains, the water overflows and we can’t pass. We couldn’t transport our products like coconuts. Now, they are fixing it."
Estajal recognized the continuous support from the MPW regional office, which regularly surveys and identifies necessary projects in Basilan province. (SunStar Zamboanga)