House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed appreciation to President Marcos for establishing the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation and Development (OPAMRD), which will oversee the rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City and nearby areas.

Romualdez said in a statement Friday, Dec. 6, that the latest initiative from the President reflects a deep commitment to address the long-standing issues that have hampered the city’s full recovery.

He says the creation of the OPAMRD is a “significant step” towards ensuring that recovery efforts are not only sustained but also further streamlined and accelerated.

“It is a demonstration of President Marcos’ sincerity in delivering on his promise to the people of Marawi and the entire Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM),” the Speaker said.

At the same time, Romualdez said the House of Representatives had proposed measures to speed up Marawi City’s rehabilitation from the severe damage caused by the five-month-long siege between Islamic State (IS) militants and authorities. 

He pointed out that the lower chamber had “ensured from the beginning” that the rehabilitation is supported by sufficient funding and institutionalized oversight mechanisms.

These measures include the annual allocation of at least P1 billion for the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (BMCRRP). The program focuses on housing, infrastructure, and livelihood projects for displaced families. 

The House leader pointed out that multiple hearings and inquiries have been conducted to ensure that the allocated funds are utilized effectively. 

Support for local development projects in BARMM is likewise pushed by congressmen to ensure harmony among national and regional efforts, particularly in infrastructure development, social services, and peacebuilding programs.

While there was significant progress, Romualdez admitted that challenges remain in Marawi City’s rehabilitation. 

He mentioned delays in the completion of key infrastructure projects, the provision of permanent housing, and the restoration of livelihoods. 

However, the Speaker is optimistic that the OPAMRD—as the central authority in the rehabilitation efforts—will address these issues.

“The people of Marawi deserve a rehabilitation process that is efficient, transparent and inclusive. By creating OPAMRD, President Marcos has ensured that these objectives are prioritized,” he said.

Romualdez said the people of Marawi should be involved for the success of the newly created office, noting that “their voices, their aspirations, and their experiences must shape the path forward”.

He also committed that the House would allocate the necessary resources and enact any needed measure to strengthen OPAMRD’s efforts. 

“The rehabilitation of Marawi is not just about rebuilding structures—it is about restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity to our fellow Filipinos,” he stressed.