Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook)

A congressman who holds Marawi City close to his heart has thanked President Macos for the creation of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation and Development (OPAMRD). 

Expressing his "heartfelt" appreciation to the Chief Executive was Assistant Majority Leader Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong.

Adiong chairs the Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation in the House of Representatives.

"This significant step reflects the administration's unwavering commitment to rebuilding Marawi and empowering its people to reclaim their vibrant and resilient identity," Adiong said of the President’s move.

"The creation of OPAMRD signifies not only the national government’s acknowledgment of the immense challenges faced by our beloved city but also its determination to ensure that recovery efforts are comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable. By clearly defining the mandates, powers, and functions of this new office, we are assured that Marawi's rehabilitation will proceed with greater coordination, accountability, and focus," he noted.

The "Young Guns" bloc member further described the development as "a testament to the government’s recognition of Marawi's pivotal role in the socio-economic and cultural fabric of our nation".

"It also reaffirms the administration's dedication to fostering peace and development in Mindanao and ensuring that the voices and aspirations of the people of Marawi are central to our collective efforts," he added.

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

Adiong says he looks forward to working together with the OPAMRD in pursuing the complete rehabilitation and development of Marawi City. 

"Together with the stakeholders on the ground, the Bangsamoro government, and the national agencies, we will work tirelessly to rebuild Marawi not just as a city but as a symbol of unity, resilience, and hope for all.

"May this renewed partnership between the government and the Maranao people bring about a brighter future for generations to come," he said.