The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is leading the government coordination for a massive integrated housing and community development initiative that aims to deliver up to 30,000 homes across Mindanao. The project is a core component of the Marcos administration’s normalization program in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The initiative, officially titled “Building Better Moro Homes: Integrated Housing and Community Development Initiative with Support for Camp Transformation in BARMM,” was the focus of a high-level alignment meeting convened by the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) on Wednesday.
During the meeting, MinDA presented critical updates on its coordination efforts with partner government agencies and Al Mansour, the Qatari private proponent backing the project.
The project will initialy target the construction of 1,000 housing units in BARMM before scaling up to its long-term vision of 30,000 homes across Mindanao. Rather than just building houses, the initiative is designed to establish complete, self-sustaining, and resilient communities by integrating:
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Economic Opportunities: Dedicated livelihood programs for residents.
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Green Infrastructure: Clean and reliable renewable energy systems.
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Social & Religious Facilities: Daycare centers, mosques, and recreational spaces.
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Local Governance: Strong, structured homeowners’ associations. “Peace becomes more meaningful when families have decent homes, reliable livelihoods, access to basic services, and opportunities to build better futures. This project seeks to transform communities by integrating housing with social and economic development in support of the government’s normalization agenda in BARMM,” said Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, MinDA Chairperson.
The high-level meeting brought together key leaders from various executive branches to streamline technical and policy requirements, including:
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MinDA: Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno and Assistant Secretary Romeo M. Montenegro.
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OES: Undersecretary Erwin Sta. Ana.
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OSAP: Undersecretary Sheena Liong.
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ODESGA: Deputy Executive Secretary Danielle Marie Culangen and Assistant Deputy Executive Secretary Azzedine Morilla.
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OPAPRU: Undersecretary Gefer Mancol and Undersecretary Jonathan Miano.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. previously tasked MinDA to spearhead strategic investment explorations with the State of Qatar. The collaboration with Al Mansour highlights the growing international confidence in the peace and development framework of Mindanao.
MinDA reported that preparatory activities are already underway, including the finalization of a non-binding agreement. This agreement will pave the way for a comprehensive housing needs assessment and subsequent project development phases.
Moving forward, the participating agencies will continue finalizing policy frameworks, designating an official implementing agency, engaging local stakeholders, and conducting necessary preparatory studies to fast-track the project toward ground break.
By merging social infrastructure with economic and renewable energy investments, the initiative directly reflects President Marcos Jr.’s broader vision: ensuring that the tangible dividends of peace are felt by every Bangsamoro family.
