MHSD.BANGSAMORO.GOV.PH
A BILL mandating the installation of solar energy facilities in socialized housing projects funded by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government was filed before its Parliament on Tuesday.
Parliament Member Amir S. Mawallil, author of Bill No. 178 or the Renewable Energy for Socialized Housing in the BARMM Act of 2022, said the proposed law is in line with the goal of both the national and regional governments to develop more renewable energy sources.
“Under the measure, the Bangsamoro Government will install solar energy systems in these units that will provide secure, clean, and environment-friendly power services in urban and rural areas, especially in settlements for the disadvantaged, the homeless, survivors of conflicts and atrocities, former combatants, and Internally Displaced Persons,” Mr. Mawallil said in a statement.
The bill includes a provision on acquiring easements from neighboring properties to ensure solar power access in existing and future housing projects.
Mr. Mawallil noted that under the BARMM budget, more than P3.2 billion has been allocated for various housing projects.
“These programs speak of the scale of construction in the upcoming months to provide socialized housing in the region — and of the scale of opportunity for promoting and developing the use of renewable energy in the implementation of these programs,” he said.
The biggest housing fund at almost P2.5 billion is under the Kapayapaan sa Pamayanan (KAPYANAN) program of the Office of the Chief Minister.
The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development has also allocated P671.65 million for affordable housing projects while the Ministry of Interior and Local Government has a P65-million housing budget for former combatants.
The bill is supported and co-authored by Parliament Members Baintan Ampatuan, Laisa Alamia, Rasol Mitmug, Jr., Suharto Ambolodto, Don Mustapha Loong, Rasul Ismael, Abraham Burahan, Sittie Shahara Mastura, and Paisalin Tago. — MSJ