The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has taken a significant step in its peace-building journey with the formal handover of new homes to families of former combatants. On Monday, December 22, 2025, the regional government turned over 100 completed housing units to identified beneficiaries in Bagua 1 village, Cotabato City.
A Concrete Symbol of Peace and Normalization
This landmark event represents a tangible outcome of the peace process. The beneficiaries prominently include families of former fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), signaling a move from conflict towards stable, civilian life. The housing project is a core component of the Kapayapaan sa Pamayanan (Kapyanan) program, a flagship initiative under the Office of the Chief Minister aimed at providing shelter and sustainable livelihood to indigent families across the Bangsamoro region.
Features and Partnerships of the Housing Project
According to Abdullah Cusain, the assistant senior minister and concurrent Kapyanan project manager, each housing unit is designed for family comfort and sustainability. "Each unit comes with three bedrooms, a comfort room, kitchen, and dining area," Cusain stated on Wednesday, December 24. He further highlighted that the homes are equipped with solar-powered lighting and a water system, ensuring basic utilities are met.
The successful implementation of this project was made possible through a collaboration between the Bangsamoro Government's Ministry of Public Works (MPW) and the City Government of Cotabato. This partnership underscores the multi-level governmental effort required to support normalization efforts.
Completion of Remaining Units on the Horizon
The 100 units handed over constitute the majority of a larger project. They are part of a total batch of 150 housing units being constructed under the Kapyanan program in the area. Cusain provided an update on the remaining homes, indicating that construction is ongoing. "We are expecting that in a few months, the final completion of the remaining units will be fully completed," he assured the public.
The turnover ceremony stands as a powerful testament to the Bangsamoro Government's commitment to translating the gains of peace into improved quality of life for its people, particularly those who were directly involved in the long-standing conflict.
