Marawi rehab efforts earn ‘satisfactory’ grade

MANILA – The Marawi Sultanate League (MSL) is satisfied with the progress of the government’s ongoing rehabilitation and recovery efforts in the war-torn city.

MSL chair Sultan Nasser Sampaco, in a statement on Sunday said they “trust and believe in your leadership and capability to lead Marawi as a better place to live and replenish its beauty and glory with peace.”

He thanked the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), composed of 56 implementing agencies and other private partners, for its relentless rebuilding and reconstruction efforts amid the prevailing public health crisis.

“We are also monitoring all Task Force Bangon Marawi’s activities and accomplishments. And we are happy and proud to inform you that we are fully satisfied with the developments in the Most Affected Area and Least Affected Area,” Sampaco stated.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, also TFBM chair, told Sampaco in a recorded meeting that the government is committed to accomplishing its December 2021 target completion of the rehabilitation works.

“Without your support, we wouldn’t have accomplished what we have done so far in rebuilding Marawi,” said del Rosario. “Rest assured that we will complete the rehabilitation and fulfill the promise of our President for Marawi to rise as a prosperous city again.”

As one of the lead convenors of civil society organizations (CSOs) helping the task force to monitor the rebuilding process, Sampaco said they “will continue to guide, offer moral and spiritual support to the TFBM.”

“The Marawi Sultanate League is very happy and thankful to note that most of the very influential CSOs and critics of the TFBM have manifested their cooperation in the TFBM by constant monitoring and inspection of the projects’ development. So far, the Marawi Sultanate League as one of the supporters of TFBM considers such favorable development as victory to win the sympathy of the people of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City,” he said.

Del Rosario inspected the ongoing projects within the site of the 2017 siege, including the Marawi Museum, Peace Memorial Park and School of Living Tradition, and the Grand Padian Market.

He will also inspect rehabilitation works on the Bato Mosque, White Mosque, and Masjid Darussalam.

The TFBM was created under Administrative Order No. 3 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte on June 28, 2017, to ensure collaboration and convergence among national agencies and the local government units.

It also helps displaced families recover from the tragedy brought by the five-month clash between the military and terrorists affiliated with Islamic State organization.