Hundreds of families have started the new year preparing to re-build their homes as the national government expedites the rehabilitation of Marawi City before President Rodrigo Duterte ends his term in June.
“I am certain that we can finish at least 95 percent of all major infra projects by June 2022, and I can assure everyone that the few remaining projects will surely be completed because they are already funded and for implementation by the concerned agencies,” said Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairperson Eduardo del Rosario.
Around 85% of Marawi infrastructure has been completed by the first week of December last year, based on Task Force Bangon Marawi figures.
Since July 2020, the national government has completed the construction of 20 kilometers of trans central roads and three major bridges.
Completed government facilities include a fire substation, maritime outpost, the central police station, Community Police Action Center, the Barangay Rorogagus Health Station and a solar power irrigation system.
Health centers and madrasahs located inside six village complexes were constructed with more of such projects to be finished by the first quarter of this year.
Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of TFBM, however, is the rehabilitation of the emblematic Grand Mosque or the city’s Islamic Center whose re-opening to the public was led by President Rodrigo Duterte himself in October 2021.
The inauguration coincided with the fourth anniversary of Marawi’s liberation from the hands of the terrorists which happened from May to October in 2017.
Meanwhile, the local government of Marawi promised to hasten the processing of building permits for 1,500 applicants residing in the city’s most affected area (MAA).
“I envision the Marawi rehabilitation to be a catalyst for sustainable growth and development, a template of good governance, and lasting peace,” said Del Rosario.
Among the projects still up for completion are Rizal Park, Traffic Command Center, Grand Padian Market and ice plant, Marawi Museum, School of Living Traditions, Marawi City Jail, Marawi Command Center, the Sarimanok Sports Stadium, Lake Lanao Promenade, and the Marawi City Convention Center.