MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) — Residents of two villages in the municipality of Marantao are now enjoying the benefits of a newly constructed covered court and 25 solar street lights.
Member of Parliament (MP) Diamila Disimban-Ramos turned over the said projects to the Barangays Ilian and Punud Proper, respectively, on November 28. The projects, funded through the 2023 Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF), were made possible through collaboration with the BARMM Ministry of Public Works (MPW) as the implementing agency,
The covered court, which serves as a multifunctional facility, is designed to host a wide range of community events, such as seminars, sports activities, and gatherings. The solar streetlights will illuminate the streets of Barangay Punud Proper, making them safer and more accessible, especially at night. These projects benefit students, workers, and families, fostering outdoor activities and social interaction.
“Ito ay base sa konsultasyon na ginanap natin sa mga pinupuntahan natin na mga activities. Policy ng ating opisina na kumuha ng input galing sa audience at yung nga isa ito sa mga request nila. With that request, inaral ng ating team at ito naman ay masusing tiningnan ng ating implementing partner, ang MPW, kung ito ba ay pasok sa kanilang requirements,” she said.
(We based this on consultations during our visits. Gathering audience input is our policy, and this request emerged as a priority. Our team studied it, and the MPW thoroughly reviewed it to ensure it met their requirements.)
Disimban-Ramos said one of the driving forces behind both projects is their long-term impact on the health and well-being of the youth. As a mother and advocate for youth development, she explained that access to safe recreational spaces promotes physical activity, mental health, and discipline. The covered court offers young people a healthy outlet, engaging them in positive activities and reducing the risk of negative behaviors.
More Projects on the Horizon
The MP announced that additional projects are in the pipeline, including plans to install more solar street lights in 20 barangays across Marantao. These projects enhance public safety and infrastructure, showcasing her commitment to addressing community needs and delivering sustainable solutions for social and economic development.
“Meron pa kaming upcoming projects under din sa TDIF. Yung solar street lights, marami ang nagrequest sa atin na mga barangays. Kung maliwanag, yung mga kabataan, peaceful sila na nakakalakad kung nanggagaling sa kanilang mga eskwelahan o sa kanilang mga trabaho. Dahil dun yung mga susunod na proyekto magfocus tayo dito. May upcoming na package na 20 street lights para sa ating napiling 20 barangay dito sa Marantao, yung sampu galing sa ating 2023 TDIF at yung another sampu naman ay galing sa ating supplemental budget,” she said.
(We have upcoming projects under the TDIF as well. Many barangays have requested solar street lights from us. When the streets are well-lit, the youth can walk safely from schools or workplaces. Because of this, our future projects will focus on this. We have an upcoming package of 20 streetlights for 20 selected barangays here in Marantao—10 will come from our 2023 TDIF, and the other 10 will come from our supplemental budget.)
BARMM Deputy Minister Ali Solaiman, Marantao Mayor Akira Alonto, barangay officials, Ilian and Punud Proper residents, and other stakeholders attended the turnover ceremony, expressing gratitude for the new infrastructure projects and their positive community impact. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
