MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Local Government of Marawi expressed its gratitude to the private sector for supporting and funding the rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged or destroyed mosques in the most affected area of the city.

City Mayor Majul Gandamra conveyed his appreciation after the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the reconstruction of Bubong Madaya Mosque on Friday, October 15.

The reconstruction of the said mosque will be funded by the Property Company of Friends Inc. (ProFriends).

"Words are not enough to express our gratitude for your generosity. While you could always choose to recalibrate your funds and donate it elsewhere, you have chosen to change the lives of the Maranaw people by reconstructing this mosque," he said.

The reconstruction of the mosque, he noted, is a great gift from private partners to the people of Marawi City.

"We could now practice our Islamic faith in the most solemn and peaceful manner through this beautiful mosque that we are about to build," Gandamra further said.

The mayor also thanked Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and its chairperson Sec. Eduardo Del Rosario for finding private partners who are willing to provide funds for the reconstruction of the mosque.

TFBM has been prioritizing the reconstruction and repairs of mosques that were either damaged or destroyed during the 2017 siege as instructed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.  The Bubong Madaya mosque is the ninth mosque pipelined for rehabilitation through funding from the private sector.

"As these mosques hold great significance in the daily lines of the Maranaws, we not only rebuild the structures but likewise contribute to the social healing process of the internally displaced persons. And that is why we continue to take steps in making sure that we rebuild them," Del Rosario said. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)