The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government has started laying down the foundation of a major infrastructure project expected to boost its tourism and economy, officials said Monday.

This came after officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) conducted an ocular inspection at Barangay Tambo in Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte, earlier this month.

Officials from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), through the Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA), led the conduct of inspection for the proposed site facility, together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Sultan Mastura town government.

“This project is just the beginning of more collaborations from BAA and MOTC to the LGU of Sultan Mastura, as there are concerns to be established in the future undertakings relative to the development of this endeavor,” Hanamir Emblawa, MOTC BAA officer-in-charge director, said in an interview.

The proposed multi-million airport will rise in the 200-hectare lot area, including the 3.2-kilometer runway.

Sultan Mastura Mayor Zulficar Panda said the project is expected to boost the local economy in Sultan Mastura, especially in the Iranun corridor.

The Iranun corridor refers to the adjoining towns of Sultan Mastura, Parang, Barira, Buldon, and Matanog, predominantly inhabited by the Maguindanao-Iranun tribe all located in the northern part of Maguindanao Norte.

“It’s a welcome development for us, as it will boost our economy and will also boost local employment,” Panda said.

Panda lauded the efforts of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim for pouring in infrastructure projects in the Iranun municipalities, including the proposed transfer of the BARMM regional center to Parang town, adjacent to Sultan Mastura municipality, the opening of the Polloc free port and the proposed international airport.

The three projects are consistent with the enhanced BARMM 12-point priority agenda, which aims to develop a system of reliable and resilient air transportation and other strategic infrastructure to spur economic growth in the region. (PNA)