LAMITAN CITY, Basilan (PIA) - The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officially handed over the Kapayapaan sa Pamayanan (Kapyanan) housing project to 159 beneficiaries across three separate sites on April 23.

The housing projects are located in Roseville Little Cebu, Roseville Monte Santo Sengal, and Roseville Ubit in Lamitan City.

Leading the turnover ceremony were Kapyanan housing project manager Mohammad K. Abdullah, Mayor Oric Furigay, members of the City Council, and project engineers.

In his message, Furigay expressed his joy at witnessing the distribution of housing units to the beneficiaries, stating that it marked another milestone for Lamitan City.

"Abot kamay na ang pag-asang magkaroon ng maayos na tirahan for free! Walang bayad o anumang kapalit ," he said, adding that these new houses aren't just about having a roof over the beneficiaries' heads, but they're about building a solid foundation for the future homeowners of these units. 

(The hope of having a proper place to live for free is within reach! There is no charge or anything in return.)

Amid challenging times, he emphasized that owning a decent and comfortable home is becoming more achievable for the residents of his city. 

He also praised the efforts of all the agencies and individuals involved in making the project a reality, particularly the dedication of BARMM officials, LGU Lamitan, and staff. In particular, he thanked Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Mohammad K. Abdullah, Project Manager Engr. Anwarodin E. Tumagantang, Chief Construction Engr. Shamier K. Jakiram and Jordan A. Katug.

"This is not the beginning as well as the end of these housing projects but is a continuing project for our love and support for the citizens. Hangga’t kaya ko, hanggang ako ang nasa serbisyo, patuloy tayong magpapatayo ng mga bahay na magsisilbing pag-asa para sa mapalad na mga pamilya (As long as I can, as long as I am in the service, we will continue to build houses that will serve as hope for fortunate families). Together, let us continue to build a stronger, more vibrant Lamitan for everyone. Kung sa kanta ni Jordin Sparks, one step at a time, dito sa Lamitan, one awesome house at a time!" he expressed.

Abdullah, who represented the BARMM government, commended Furigay's leadership for driving the implementation of the housing project, making Lamitan City the first in the Bangsamoro Region to complete the Kapyanan Housing Project. 

In the next phase, 100 more housing units are expected to be constructed for MILF and MNLF members in the near future. This initiative showcases the collaborative efforts of both the local and regional governments in addressing the housing needs of their constituents and fostering a stronger, more vibrant Lamitan City. (EDT/NDR/PIA-Basilan, with reports from Richard G. Falcatan-PIO)