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Thursday, March 28, 2024

ARMM allots P132.5m for Basilan infra projects

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Despite the perception that Basilan is a conflict-ridden province, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao is bullish about developing its far-flung communities.

The war-torn town of Al-Barka in Basilan province, for instance, will receive P132.5 million in infrastructure projects from the regional government.

For so long, Al-Barka was the main defense camp of the Abu Sayyaf, and was a battleground between the Special Armed Forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The locals fled during military operations that ravaged the town.

Today, it is poised to become a modern and safe community. In the works are a seven-kilometer road, several water systems, and bridges.

In the past five years, ARMM has invested P7.865 billion for road networks, bridges and waterworks. The Duterte administration has so far appropriated P887 million worth of infrastructure projects for Basilan, most of it earmarked for roads.

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ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the government has given attention to many municipalities to improve its quality of life. Now, Al-Barka and other conflict-ridden areas will be the main priority.

Said Sarifa Anzala, a resident of Al-Barka, in the local dialect: “We have lived in appalling conditions for many years. Now we see hope, as we see projects being built here… People are coming back to our town again, and more are coming to serve the community.” 

“We would like to put our painful past behind,” Mayor Darussalam Lajid of Al-Barka added. “With these development projects initiated by ARMM, we look toward a bright future. We hope the roads and bridges will provide visitors and locals an opportunity to enjoy Al-Barka’s natural beauty.”

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