COTABATO CITY—A newly constructed multi-purpose human development training center in Davao Occidental was inaugurated on Jan. 25, aimed at supporting the needs of Bangsamoro communities residing outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD), in partnership with the Office of Member of Parliament (MP) Atty. Randolph Parcasio, turner over the said project.

MHSD Director-General Esmael Ebrahim stressed that the Government of the Day is ‘firmly’ committed to extending service delivery across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including those outside its territorial jurisdiction.

“Our assistance to the Bangsamoro, whether inside or outside the BARMM, remains unwavering. This is a testament to our collective efforts to complete this project and improve the living standards of the people in the community,” he stated.

Funded under the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) 2023, the P7.6-million center will benefit the Bangsamoro community in Brgy. Mana, Malita, Davao Occidental.

Ustadz Mohsin Sapac, one of the recipients, expressed his gratitude to the interim government, claiming that the building is a ‘dream come true.’

“This is the greatest blessing, an answer to our prayers for the community. Our happiness knows no bounds, and we only wish for a housing project to be established here in our area,” said Sapac.

Likewise, MP Parcasio expressed his support and optimism to further help other Bangsamoro communities in the autonomous region and outside the BARMM.

Under Section 12, Article VI of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the Bangsamoro Government, in coordination with local government units where other Bangsamoro communities are located, and the appropriate national government agencies, is mandated to provide assistance to enhance their economic, social, and cultural development.

As of writing, the MHSD has already turned over a total of 28 training centers, to wit: ten (10) in Lanao del Sur; five (5) in Sulu; three (3) in Maguindanao del Norte; two (2) in the Special Geographic Areas; two (2) in Tawi-Tawi; and six (6) outside the Bangsamoro region, respectively, four (4) in Lanao del Norte, one (1) in Davao Occidental, and one (1) in Davao Oriental.

The Ministry is also expected to turn over two other training centers in 2025.