CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bangsamoro government continued its distribution of P15,000 livelihood assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi City, benefiting 698 individuals on May 19.
This round of distribution included non-Muslim residents, reflecting the inclusivity of the regional government’s ongoing efforts to support IDPs in rebuilding their livelihoods after the 2017 Marawi siege.
Among the beneficiaries, Teodoro Dando, a resident of Barangay Moncado Colony who was trapped during the siege and now lives in Iligan City, expressed gratitude for the support.
“Masaya ako na nasali ang pangalan ko kasi sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, nakatanggap ako ng pera na makakatulong sa pamilya ko at maidagdag sa puhunan para sa pangkabuhayan,” he said.
(I’m happy my name was included because life is hard right now, and I received money that will help my family and add to the capital for our livelihood.)
He also appreciated the inclusive nature of the aid. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) kasi kahit Christian ako, nasama pa rin ako sa tulong,” he added.
(I’m thankful to BARMM because even though I’m Christian, I was still included in the assistance.)
Normina Abdulgalo, from Barangay Sabala Manao, said the assistance would help reduce household expenses and serve as capital for a small business.
“Medyo bumuti ang aking pakiramdam dahil kahit papaano ay mabawasan ang aming gastusin. Magiging puhunan namin ito para sa aming pangkabuhayan. Nagpapasalamat ako sa nangangasiwa ng MRP (Marawi Rehabilitation Program) at sa BARMM,” she said.
(I feel a bit better because this will somehow reduce our expenses. We will use it as capital for our livelihood. I’m thankful to those managing the MRP and to BARMM.)
Mohaima Alikhan and Hadji Omar Disomimba also expressed thanks for receiving the aid. Disomimba, previously bypassed in earlier distributions, said he was grateful for the assistance, while Alikhan hoped the program would continue.
The distribution was conducted by the BARMM-MRP and the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) under the Bangsamoro Sagip Kabuhayan Program (BSKP). The program aims to support vulnerable households in starting or expanding small businesses to foster financial independence and economic resilience.
Last month, 347 IDPs received similar support under the program.
The BARMM-MRP is a special initiative under the 12-Priority Agenda of the BARMM Chief Minister, focused on empowering IDPs for long-term recovery and self-sufficiency. (Apipa Bagumbaran)
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