MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--With its continuous efforts to rebuild the lives of internally displaced persons (IDPs) here, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Australia and Community and Family Services International (CFSI) turned over anew various assistance to 17 beneficiaries. 

Under the Marawi COVID Recovery Project (MCRP), 10 beneficiaries received livelihood support (assorted grocery items, food vending items, e-loading), two got assistive devices, two acquired birth certificates, and three couples received marriage certificates. These beneficiaries are part of the projected 4,000 households that will benefit from the MCRP through June 2023.

Couples Khadafi Tocalo and Norhanie Baraakal are among the beneficiaries who received marriage certificates through the assistance of CFSI. Together with their nine children, CFSI also assisted them in acquiring birth certificates. 

Tocalo urged his fellow IDPs to use the livelihood support given to them in rebuilding their lives. He reminded them that they should not sell such assistance. 

“Panawagan sa mga beneificaries ng CFSI na gamitin nila sa tamang pangangailangan iyong natanggap nila para mabuhay nila iyong mga anak nila at pamilya nang maayos. Huwag nilang gaayahin iyong ibang beneficiaries na binebenta yung nakukuha nila. Dahil kung talagang gagamitin nila, makakatulong ito sa kanila,” said Tocalo who also lives in Area 1, Sagonsongan Transitory Shelter Site. 

We call on the beneficiaries of CFSI to properly use what they have received so that their children and families can live well. They should not imitate those other beneficiaries who sell what they get. Because if they really use it properly, it will help them.]

Deputy Chief of Mission Richard Sisson of the Embassy of Australia, Steven Muncy, Executive Director of Community and Family Services International and Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Office Manager Asec. Felix Castro Jr. recently led the ceremonial turn-over of various assistance under MCRP. (LELA / PIA Lanao del Sur)