MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)— National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana underscored the crucial role of Marawi residents in sustaining peace in the war-torn Islamic city.

During the commemoration program for the fourth anniversary of Marawi liberation held at the City Hall Gymnasium Saturday, October 16, Lorenzana noted that the most important lesson to be learned from the Marawi siege four years ago is that peace is not solely the responsibility of police and military but of every member of the community.

“It is the duty of the citizens to work hard for the peace in their area,” he said, emphasizing that the cooperation of the public is vital to sustain a peaceful environment. 

Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario shared the same thought and considers the attainment of a peaceful environment pivotal to the triumph of Marawi rehabilitation.

“We may have all the infrastructures built inside the most affected area and even outside, we are conducting numerous non-infra activities, but at the end of the day, the success is the attainment of peaceful environment in Marawi City,” he said. 

Achieving a peaceful environment even beyond rehabilitation is one of the major targets of this government-led effort. 

The government also aims to make Marawi rehabilitation a “catalyst for growth and sustainable development” and become a “template for good governance.” (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)