Japan provides 150 new houses to Marawi residents

MANILA – The Japanese government has turned over 150 permanent houses to Marawi residents who had been displaced during the 2017 siege, the Japanese Embassy in Manila said Tuesday.

The turnover was held in Marawi City on October 15 and was virtually joined by Japan Ambassador to Manila Kazuhiko Koshikawa.

“This ceremonial turnover is part of the Government of Japan’s commitment to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City, and its unwavering support for the Mindanao Peace Process,” the Embassy said.

As of this posting, Japan has handed over a total of 329 houses to those who lost their homes due to the war.

“This is a small step, but I hope that it will lead to a better future for the people of Marawi,” Koshikawa said.

The Japanese government in 2018 provided a grant of USD10 million (approximately PHP 500 million) in support of UN-Habitat’s program to provide core shelters and livelihood support for those affected by the Marawi siege. Over 1,000 houses are expected to be turned over under the joint project.

The turnover of 150 houses in Barangay Kilala is the third phase of the program, the Embassy said.

The first phase was completed in February 2021 with the construction of 109 permanent houses in Barangay Dulay, a place now called the Hadiya (gift) Village.

The second phase was completed with the turnover of 170 more houses in Darussalam Village and Pamayandeg sa Ranaw Residences in Dansalan last July 22.

Also present during the event were Task Force Bangon Marawi Chairman and Department of Human Settlements and Development Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, and United Nations-Habitat Philippines Country Programme Manager Christopher Rollo.