TAWI-TAWI – The people of Tandubas are now experiencing a transformational change with the completion of five World Bank and European Union-funded infrastructure projects in the Barangay Sallangan, Barangay Tongbangkaw,  Barangay Tapian Sokah, and Barangay Kepeng.

On February 12, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform – Philippine Rural Development Project (MAFAR-PRDP) marked a significant milestone as five vital infrastructure projects were turned over to the four Barangays of Tandubas.

Led by Ammal D. Solaiman JD, Deputy Project Director of the Regional Project Coordination Office BARMM, together with Hon. Al-shalid A. Salih, Municipal Mayor of Tandubas . The turnover ceremony showcased the completion of the Sallangan Potable Water Supply Level II, Tongbangkaw Fish Landing, Tapian Sokah Concrete Footbridge, Kepeng Fish Landing with Footbridge, and Kepeng Warehouse with Solar Dryer.

DPD Solaiman, in her message, emphasized the significance of these projects for the people of Tandubas, stating, “It is our pleasure and great satisfaction to help and provide assistance to the people of Tandubas.”

“This is a clear directive to us by the government of the day led by the BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, Al-haj, to deliver services to the community,” she further emphasized, echoing the government’s mandate to prioritize the needs of the people.

As the projects are turned over to the community, the responsibility to sustain is now in the hands of the LGUs and their people. This turnover marks not just the physical handover but also a symbolic passing of the torch, signifying the community’s ownership and ensuring its benefit to help them increase productivity.

DPD Ammal urged everyone to utilize the project according to the purpose. She also encouraged them to cherish and safeguard it, recognizing the collective effort poured into the project realization.

In his acceptance message, Tandubas Municipal Mayor Hon. Al-shalid A. Salih extended profound gratitude to MAFAR-PRDP, the World Bank, and the European Union for their funding support.

“This is a significant aid to the residents of Tandubas, providing them with simultaneous major projects that will ease their lives and contribute to increasing their Agri-fishery production,” Mayor Sali expressed.

The turnover ceremony was also witnessed by Hon. Vice Mayor Rahiema A. Salih, and other key officials, including MAFAR Tawi-Tawi, represented by Senior Research Science Specialist Manuel Kamaro, RPCO-BARMM I-BUILD Specialist Engr. Michael K. Anggol and other RPCO-BARMM team. (Naima Mamisel, RPCO BARMM)