Zamboanga City (July 5, 2017) – A Level II water supply system, or communal faucet unit, now serves the residents of Brgy. Tubig-Indangan and Brgy. Doh Tong in the town of Simunul in Tawi-Tawi. Officials from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) inaugurated the water system on Monday, July 3, led by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.
“Patuloy pa nating tutugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga taga-Simunul. Sisiguraduhin nating malaki ang tulong na maidudulot nito,” Gov. Hataman said. The construction of the water system is supported by the region’s 2016 infrastructure budget and is one of 23 total water supply system projects in Tawi-Tawi programmed from 2012 to 2017 under the region’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM).
Don Loong, DPWH-ARMM Secretary, said P4.49 billion has been earmarked for infrastructure projects for the province of Tawi-Tawi since 2012. These, he pointed out, range from roads, bridges, seaports, flood control, water system, drainage and other high-impact projects.
For Simunul alone, P321.5 million has been allocated with the bulk of P150 million provided in 2016 for seven projects. Most of the projects are currently over 81% completed.
“Walang iniiwan ang ARMM government sa pag-unlad, kahit tayong islang munisipyo na nasa dulo na ng ating bansa,” Simunul Mayor Ahmad Abdurrahman said. A total of 12 road projects in Simunul worth P191.5 million are also being implemented with 64.42% physical accomplishment so far. These projects are part of the DPWH-ARMM’s regular infrastructure program.
Albah Kadil Tuminnah, 57, a resident of Tubig-Indangan, said the projects make them feel important because these would directly benefit the community. “Magpapasalamat talaga tayo. Patuloy ang proyekto, patuloy ang tulong sa aming lahat,” Tuminnah said.
Simunul is an island town composed of 15 barangays, three of which are located on a smaller island of Munuk Mangkaw. Based on the 2015 census, the town has a population of about 31,000 people, mostly of Sama tribe.
Simunul is a 4th-class municipality, or having an annual income from P25 million but not over P35 billion. The local government’s welcome arc at the town’s seaport shows its support to several development projects of the regional government.
SOURCE: ( Bureau of Public Information )
July 6, 2017 @ 9:58
N-RBICTO-070617-210
