MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Following the unveiling of its markers on October 16 signaling the most awaited completion of its construction, the management of the Grand Mosque has now been turned over to the care of the Jameo Mindanao Al-Islamie Islamic Center of Marawi, Inc. Thursday, December 2. 

Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had earlier signified to prioritize the rebuilding of mosques in the city considering they play a vital role in the recovery of the siege-impacted citizens. 

He shared how the government strived to find donors to fund the restoration and repair of mosques, among which is the Grand Mosque which was backed by housing developers in the country.

"I have seen the destruction in 2017 and four years after, December, the same month when I set foot on the Grand Mosque. I can say that this is the biggest and the most beautiful mosque," said Del Rosario. 

Mayor Majul Gandamra reiterated that while there is a clear line separating the State and the Church as stipulated in the country's Constitution, the effort of giving attention to dilapidated mosques is a big step to the city's healing. 

"Islam is more than just a religion. It has become a way of life for our people. As such, in pursuit of comprehensive rehabilitation of the city, the rebuilding of destroyed mosques should be also included in order for us to face a future full of hope," he said. 

With the official turnover of the mosque to its rightful administrators, the new set of Board of Directors also took an oath to accept the responsibilities in managing the newly constructed religion of worship. 

National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Sec. Saidamen Pangarungan likewise conveyed his commitment to accepting the prior call from the President to foster cooperation among concerned stakeholders so the city can rise back better and stronger. 

"We are taking the President's marching order to heart by becoming stewards of this centerpiece of religious, cultural, and historical significance," he said. 

The three-floor Grand Mosque with a 9,484-square meter floor area and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers, is known to be the biggest mosque in the Philippines. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)