Sumisip, Basilan Breaks Ground on New Housing Units for Project TuGoN Beneficiaries
COTABATO CITY (June 8, 2024) — Sumisip, Basilan Province, celebrated a significant development on June 5, 2024, with the ceremonial groundbreaking for 39 single-storey detached housing units under Project TuGoN (Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit). Notable figures including MILG-Basilan Provincial Director Ra-Diyah M. Akmad and LTC Michael P Colanta of the 45th Infantry Battalion attended the event held in Barangay Tumahubong.
This housing project represents a collaboration between the Ministry of the Interior and the Local Government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-BARMM), the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Basilan, and the 101st Infantry Brigade.
Funded through the 2021 Special Local Matching Grant (SLMG), the project has already received an initial funding tranche of PhP12,548,250.00 from MILG-BARMM. The aim is to provide secure and decent housing for beneficiaries, aiding their reintegration into society.
Initiated by MILG, Project TuGoN seeks to support the transformation of former armed group members within BARMM by providing livelihood assistance and housing.
The initiative is essential for converting former combatants into productive citizens and facilitating their reintegration into the community. The housing units in Barangay Tumahubong are a critical part of this mission.
Chief Minister Ahod B Ebrahim’s administration focuses on comprehensive development and inclusive growth, ensuring that even the most vulnerable communities have opportunities for improvement. By addressing immediate housing needs and promoting long-term social and economic reintegration, Project TuGoN supports Ebrahim’s vision of a peaceful and thriving Bangsamoro region.
The cooperation between MILG-BARMM, PLGU-Basilan, and the 101st Infantry Brigade, along with the engagement of local officials and residents, demonstrates a strong commitment to the region’s progress. This collective effort is vital for the successful execution of the housing project, which is expected to be completed within a year, offering dignified living conditions and enhancing community security.
MILG Minister MP Atty Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba said, “This housing project is a testament to our dedication to building a peaceful and progressive Bangsamoro. It signifies our efforts to create homes where former combatants can rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.” (Hasna U. Bacol, BMN/Bangsamoro Today)
