More countries expected to provide aid for Marawi rehab

FILE: (Pixabay photo)

MANILA  — More countries are expected to provide assistance to the Philippines in rebuilding war-torn Marawi City when state and business leaders meet here for the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) slated on November 12-14.

George Barcelon, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) member, said about 250,000 displaced residents of Marawi City are returning home.

Barcelon said more funds are needed to build houses, roads, facilities like hospitals, among others.

“We (also) have to look at what kind of industries can be set up that can provide livelihood (opportunities for them),” he said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Barcelon noted that embassies can look for opportunities and determine how they can provide assistance for the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

“All of that will translate to more economic activities in the Marawi area. That will (also) help Cagayan, Iligan,” he added.

Apart from possible assistance for rebuilding Marawi, Barcelon also expects foreign companies to express interest in investing in the Philippines.

“Here in infrastructure, like power, roads, all these (and) in the agriculture sector.

A lot of infrastructures are needed in the regions, whether they are in construction, in water,” he said.

Meanwhile, ABIS, hosted by the ABAC, is expected to draw more than 1,700 guests representing top-level executives from diverse sectors; distinguished thought leaders; champions and leaders from across the region coming from government, business, the academe and research entities; and entrepreneurship mentors and enablers.

Themed “World Leaders’ Roadmap Towards Prosperity for All”, the event seeks to become the catalyst for closer cooperation between the public and private sectors to boost inclusive growth in the region.

The two-day event shall cover topics ranging from ASEAN Build, Build, Build – Infrastructure Development: A Perspective (Building for the Future) – which aims to facilitate discussions on current and upcoming initiatives of the public and private sectors in strengthening infrastructure development across ASEAN. (PNA)