Duterte inducts Bahay Pag-asa in Marawi

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his speech in Marawi on October 2 (Screenshot from Visit to Marawi speech video)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited Marawi to lead the turnover ceremony of temporary houses to some 50 families in Barangay Bito Buadi Itowa on Monday.

Initiated by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation (THF) and in cooperation with the government and private individuals, the “Bahay Pag-asa” project had 8 x 8 ft.

houses built with rain-catching systems for water supply and solar panels for electricity. These serve as replacements for the tents that the internally displaced persons (IDPs) use in the evacuation centers.

Duterte said he was grateful from the bottom of his heart as he thanked everyone who helped this ‘noble’ project. “It pains me to see the place now in shambles,” he said during his speech as he shared that his grandmother was from Lanao del Sur.

The project is part of the President’s vow to restore the conflict-torn city of Marawi.

“Dumudugo ‘yung puso namin (our hearts are bleeding). We cannot wage war against our own people.

So sana (hopefully), we promise to rebuild a more beautiful city,” Duterte said.

Task Force Bangon Marawi Spokesperson Kristoffer James Purisima during the Mindanao Hour regular press briefing said that the National Housing Authority is ‘on target’ to construct 1,500 transitional shelters.

“Basta may matapos ng (Once there is a) significant number of transitional shelters (finished), i-ta-transfer na natin sila palabas ng (we will transfer them from the) evacuation centers papunta doon sa (to the) transitional shelter site,” he added.

A temporary shelter as demonstrated by some soldiers can be built in 30 minutes using bamboos, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and nipa for the roofing.

Purisima stressed that even after the battle in Marawi ends, the government will not stop in helping the IDPs.

Currently, the government continues to provide training and livelihood for the IDPs, which include psychosocial interventions like art and play therapy; health intervention such as water, sanitation, and hygiene services; and moral and psychosocial recuperation, according to Purisima.

Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier hoped for the siege to end by September 30. However, ground commanders said that it may be extended for 10 to 15 days as they experience difficulty in neutralizing the remaining Maute terrorists.

Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) Lt. Gen. Carlito Galves said that they needed more time to rescue around 46 hostages.

This is Duterte’s sixth visit to Marawi ever since the Maute group’s siege since May 23.