DPWH works on damage, loss assessment at Marawi ground zero

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started the post conflict needs assessment (PCNA) in connection with the reconstruction of the war-torn Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. (PNA PHOTO)

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started the post conflict needs assessment (PCNA) in connection with the reconstruction of the war-torn Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

This, after the department’s assessment teams visited “ground zero” two weeks ago.

On November 23, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar with Senior Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, Undersecretary Karen Olivia V. Jimeno and Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra entered some buildings at the main battle zone that was left in ruins by the five-month conflict between soldiers and Maute terrorists.

“Our teams are ready to work with the assessment to have it completed as soon as possible,” Villar said in a statement.

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has given clearance to proceed with the PCNA activities for damage and loss assessment at the remaining 10 cluster areas comprising 47 barangays within the main battle area.

The DPWH, head of the Sub-Committee on Reconstruction of the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), spearheaded the immediate repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction of national roads and bridges, public schools, and government buildings.

Through Administrative Order No. 9 signed President Rodrigo Duterte on Oct. 27, 2017, created the Sub-Committee, which is composed of member agencies namely AFP, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Energy, Department of Information Communications Technology, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and Office of Civil Defense.

Villar said that a total of 49 barangays under clusters 1 to 10 were covered by first batch of damage and loss assessment conducted by all concerned agencies from October 15 to October 28.

The assessment will be the basis in coming up with immediate short term plans pending the crafting and approval of the Marawi Comprehensive Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan.

He added that TFBM, composed of different subcommittees and support groups to ensure that all concerns related to the rebuilding and development process are appropriately addressed, is working in close partnership with the local governments of Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, Lanaodel Sur and Marawi City.