Health officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) signed contracts with at least 30 contractors to construct various health facilities worth PHP431.7 million in the region on Monday.

Dr. Rizaldy Piang, BARMM health minister, said contracts cover the construction and renovation of 23 hospitals, nine barangay health stations, and two rural health units throughout BARMM.

“The signing marks a major milestone in the region’s efforts to improve access to quality healthcare services,” Piang said.

The projects were appropriated from the Special Development Fund (SDF) for 2021 and 2022, Tiyakap 2022, the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2021, the Transition Development Impact Fund (TDIF) for 2023, and the General Appropriations Act for the Bangsamoro (GAAB) for 2023.

“These projects are set to address the growing healthcare needs of the region’s most populated areas and are expected to make a huge impact on the delivery of healthcare services,” Piang said.

Engr. Imbran Bansilan, MOH-BARMM chief of the Health Facility and Development Division (HFDD), underscored the collaborations between the MOH and the construction companies in strengthening healthcare infrastructures, including construction firms from far-flung areas of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu.

During the contract signing, Piang also emphasized the significance of complying with the authorized agreements to prevent any delay or failure of the projects.

“We need to help each other. This is a big responsibility. Whether we are building small or big infrastructure, the responsibility in the eyes of Allah is the same,” he said. (PNA)