Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Facebook)

A significant step towards expediting the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi City. 

That's how Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong described President Marcos' issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No.14, which seeks to expedite the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi City. 

The directive, which focuses on the rationalization of government agency functions, is viewed as a strategic move to enhance efficiency and accelerate the rebuilding process in Marawi. 

Adiong is the chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation. "The government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the swift completion of recovery and rehabilitation projects in Marawi City and other affected areas," he said. 

He expressed his "wholehearted support and profound gratitude" to President Marcos for signing the directive. 

Adiong said the decision to repeal the existing AO No. 03 and 09 series of 2017 and disband the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) by March 31, 2024, reflects a commitment to institutional stability and the streamlining of government efforts. 

He acknowledged the need to eliminate bureaucratic redundancies, which would allow for a more coordinated and effective response to the needs of Marawi City and its residents. 

Under AO No. 14, government agencies are mandated to collaborate closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the timely completion of projects and activities. 

The specific directives to key departments, such as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), underscore the comprehensive approach taken to address the diverse needs of the community. 

President Marcos' emphasis on the rationalization of government functions aligns with the broader national agenda outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028 and the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, emphasizing the government's commitment to efficiency and organizational coherence. 

In line with this, both the executive and legislative branches commit to working alongside each other to ensure that the rehabilitation of Marawi progresses efficiently. 

The executive branch, through its administrative orders and directives, will continue to spearhead the recovery and rebuilding efforts, overseeing agencies responsible for various aspects of rehabilitation. 

Simultaneously, the legislative branch, represented by lawmakers such as Adiong, pledges to provide necessary support, allocate resources, and enact policies that align with the rehabilitation goals, ensuring a comprehensive and unified approach. 

"In this collaborative effort, we commit to working alongside the executives in the ad hoc committee to make sure our shared dream for Marawi comes true. It is the shared responsibility of the legislative and executive branches to ensure the success of this noble pursuit," the Mindanaoan said. 

It was May 23, 2017 when an estimated 1,000 ISIS-inspired Maute Group terrorists occupied Marawi City in Lanao del Sur. The Philippine military drove the terrorists out after a grueling five-month battle that left the Islamic city in shambles.