Tunis:Mindanao A new partnership among government agencies and the private sector aims to provide affordable housing and integrated community facilities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), supporting peace-building and development efforts in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and Philippine Community Housing Corporation (PCHC) have formally signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch the Building Better Moro Homes Integrated Housing and Community Development Initiative with Support for Camp Transformation in BARMM. This initiative is the result of extensive consultations and coordination among government agencies to address the long-standing housing needs in the Bangsamoro region.
MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno emphasized that the region has faced conflict and unmet needs for decades, yet holds the promise of peace and renewal. Under the partnership, MinDA will act as the strategic convenor, coordinating stakeholders and linking national agencies with BARMM institutions. DHSUD will provide policy guidance and technical standards, while the BARMM Ministry of Human Settlements and Development will support ground-level implementation. PCHC will assist in mobilizing private sector investments for the housing initiative.
The proposed communities will include not only housing units but also essential facilities such as masjids, schools, madrasas, health centers, livelihood hubs, solar-powered energy systems, and water and sanitation infrastructure. Magno highlighted the initiative's significance for families that have endured years of conflict and displacement, reflecting a shared commitment to improving the lives of Bangsamoro families through safe housing and sustainable opportunities.
The project is also supported by meetings involving national government agencies, including the Office of the Special Assistant to the President and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, to back peace and normalization initiatives in BARMM. Magno stated that for families affected by armed conflict, having a safe and permanent home means stability and dignity.
