Construction is underway for the PHP49.7 million worth of development projects in an Indigenous Peoples (IPS) domain in Maguindanao.

Minister Melanio Ulama of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MIPA-BARMM), said the projects intend to “erase the misconception that IPs are second class” constituents in the region.

“This is to bring the government closer to the people and that all should have equal access to government services as what BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim repeatedly emphasized,” Ulama said in a statement Tuesday.

He said the Special Development Fund (SDF) projects will include a single-story tribal hall (PHP7.2-M), public market (PHP9-M), warehouse and solar dryer (PHP1.5-M), and 50 units of core shelter with solar-powered light and water system level II (PHP32-M).

The projects will rise in Barangay Kabinge of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, a known ancestral land of Teduray IPs in the province.”

“These projects show our IPs are getting equal government services as in all other inhabitants of BARMM,” Ulama said, noting that IP communities affected by armed conflicts are among the beneficiaries.

Ulama said the projects are set for completion before yearend. (PNA)