Marawi rehab on track despite pandemic: TFBM

The various implementing agencies under the TFBM, he said, are now carrying out measures to hasten their projects and meet their respective timelines amid the pandemic. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The rehabilitation of Marawi City is on track amid the coronavirus pandemic, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairman Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario said Wednesday.

“Our timetable for completion will be within the term of President [Rodrigo] Duterte. And we are on target,” del Rosario, also the housing czar, said in a statement.

He cited the approval of the 2020 budget for the Marawi rehabilitation amounting to PHP3.56 billion as a positive development towards TFBM’s rehabilitation and recovery works in Marawi City.

“As committed, almost all infrastructure projects within MAA (most affected areas) are now in full blast. With this, we remain confident that we can beat the December 2021 deadline,” he added, noting that he personally assesses and inspects the on-ground rehabilitation activities.

He said various infrastructure projects in the MAA in Marawi City have already started.

The various implementing agencies under the TFBM, he said, are now carrying out measures to hasten their projects and meet their respective timelines amid the pandemic.

Del Rosario said the government is now working to put up public structures inside Marawi’s MAA which include the Grand Padian Central Market and the Marawi City Museum.

The government will put up health centers and madrasah (Islamic schools) each for 24 barangays that are less affected areas during the Marawi siege, he added.

Del Rosario added that displaced families continue to receive relief assistance and housing aid during the pandemic.

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

TFBM facilitates the rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction efforts in Marawi.

It also seeks to help displaced families to recover from the tragedy brought by the Marawi siege in May 2017.