ARMM builds houses for 12,000 families

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is constructing shelters for 12,000 poor families before it is replaced by a Bangsamoro political entity next year.

Reports Saturday showed that the ARMM-Bangsamoro Regional Inclusive Development for Growth and Empowerment (BRIDGE) program is building the houses in five provinces in the ARMM.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman led the separate launching of the projects this week in the towns of Datu Blah Sinsuat, Buldon, Matanog and Barira, all in Maguindanao.

Meanwhile, Amir Mawallil, executive director of ARMM’s Bureau of Public Information, told The STAR that BRIDGE personnel have rationed food and extended other assistance to 5,000 families last year and to 7,000 more from January to July this year.

The Bangsamoro entity will be led by a chief minister, supported by an 80-member regional parliament.

In his messages during the groundbreaking rites this week, Hataman assured the public that all 12,000 poor families will have their houses next year.

“I am praying that the construction work will proceed without getting slowed down by security problems or calamities,” he told reporters at the seaside Datu Blah Sinsuat town on Aug. 22.

“We will see to it that all of the activities of ARMM-BRIDGE shall be (finished) before we leave,” Hataman said.