ISABELA CITY, Basilan(PIA) - The Bangsamoro government, through the Office of Deputy Speaker Laisa Alamia, joined the provincial government in uplifting the lives of Basileños through various initiatives implemented using its Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF).

The initiatives aimed to bring renewed hope and light to strengthen the juvenile justice and welfare system and provide solar street lights in some areas across the province.

The construction of “Bahay Pag-Asa,” a child-friendly rehabilitation facility, marks the beginning of this initiative. 

The facility aims to support children in conflict with the law (CICL) and those in need of social services. 

The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) and local government units inBasilan have assisted in making this project possible.

Alamia, in her message during the project turn-over, emphasized the importance of such facilities, stating that CICLs deserve every chance at a better life. 

“Bahay Pag-Asa” offers that chance to every child who needs it, helping them overcome their compromising situations without access to support and social services.

“The Bahay Pag-asa’ is a short-term sanctuary for CICLs  and for those who are at-risk. Wala silang kaso pero may possibility na ma recruit [They don’t have cases but there’s a possibility to be recruited]. So, the Bahay Pag-asa will look into interventions,” she stressed.

In addition to the “Bahay Pag-Asa,”, 190 units of solar-powered street lights have been installed in various barangays across the province. 

These solar-energized barangays now provide safer and more interactive social spaces for the community. Residents have expressed their gratitude, stating that the solar street lights have given them more time to engage in community-building activities and improved their overall quality of life.

Governor Jim S. Hataman-Salliman expressed his gratitude to the Bangsamoro government and to Deputy Speaker Alamia for bringing such projects to the province of Basilan. He also expressed his willingness to accept the responsibility concerning the sustainability of the said projects.

According to the office of Deputy Speaker Alamia, the “Bahay Pag-asa” located at Sta. Clara, Lamitan City has a total project cost of P45 million. The girls building has a capacity of 26 people and the boys building has a capacity of 26 people. Both buildings have complete amenities such as a kitchen area, dining hall, prayer room, storage room, laundry room, dormitory supply room, mini library, multi-purpose room, wardrobe area, and information area. The buildings are also equipped with 34 airconditioning units, fully equipped -classrooms and offices, sound system and media units like projectors. It has a total land area of 1 hectare with a basketball court and activity area. 

“I can assure you with sincerity that I am humbly accepting this responsibility in partnership with BARMM,” Governor Salliman said.

As Basilan enters its golden year, the collaborative efforts of the Office of Deputy Speaker Laisa Alamia, the provincial government, and other stakeholders have brought hope and light to the province. These initiatives not only improve the living conditions of the Basileños but also contribute to social cohesion and community building, particularly in post-conflict contexts like the Bangsamoro region (NBE/EDT/NDR/PIA-Basilan)