BARMM governors submit proposed infra projects

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Provincial governors in the Bangsamoro autonomous region have submitted their proposed infrastructure projects and other recommendations during the 2nd Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council meeting held here.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim during the 2nd Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council meeting in Zamboanga City on Friday, September 8, 2023. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

The Friday’s meeting at the Garden Orchid Hotel was presided by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim who collected the proposals and inputs of Governors Sakur Tan, Sulu; Jim Hataman, Basilan; Ma-ang Sali, Tawi-Tawi; Abdulrauf Macacua, Maguindanao del Norte; and municipal and city mayors who also attended the meeting. 

The meeting discussed the adoption and endorsement of Bangsamoro Development Investment Program (2023-2028) of the 2nd Bangsamoro Development Plan 2023-2028 to the Bangsamoro Parliament for approval; the endorsement of various priority projects and the proposed 2024 budget and other relevant development and economic initiatives. 

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim talks with Sulu Governor Sakur Tan during the 2nd Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council meeting in Zamboanga City on Friday, September 8, 2023. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim poses with provincial governors and other stakeholders during the 2nd Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council meeting in Zamboanga City on Friday, September 8, 2023. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

Tan thanked Ebrahim for holding the meeting with all stakeholders. “Sana ma-implement ang lahat ng infrastructure proposals at sana tanungin ang mga mayors natin dahil sila ang magsasabi kung ano ang kailangan. Dapat lahat ng projects ay coordinated sa LGUs (local government units) at saka ang mga completion ng mga projects ay kailangan ma-validate ng LGUs at siyang pipirma ng mga completion ng mga projects,” he said. 

Tan said Ebrahim and Ministry of Public Works and Highways Secretary Eduard Guerra pledged more development projects for Sulu and other provinces in support of the peace efforts of the provincial governments. 

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan with Basilan Governor Jim Hataman on the sideline of the 2nd Bangsamoro Economic and Development Council meeting in Zamboanga City on Friday, September 8, 2023. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

Hataman said he also submitted eight major project proposals that seek to spur the economic progress of Basilan, improve infrastructure, and better living conditions of its people. 

Among these projects are the proposed Lamitan City international seaport, the construction of the Lamitan City Airport, the bulk water facility, the establishment of a rubber industry manufacturing or processing plant and sardines factory, the upgrade of the Basilan Trancentral Road into a fully-fledged regional highway, the establishment of a nautical highway that will connect Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, and the Polloc Port in Cotabato City and provide a crucial transportation link for people and goods between these areas, and strengthening the coconut industry. (Mindanao Examiner)