MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--With the long-term initiative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) wrapping up this year, locals here made sure that the triumph and strides made by the organizations, especially in the socio-economic aspect, is acclaimed.
For three years, the IOM and KOICA have implemented together its project "Driving Marawi’s Rehabilitation through IDP Support, Community Development and Peaceful Transitional Action" to aid the victims of the 2017 siege who were likewise made more unease with the onset of the global health crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19.
IOM-Philippines Chief of Mission Tristan Burnett affirmed that her organization has indeed made huge strides as many accomplishments were logged.
Accordingly, 72 community working groups (CWGs) and one community technical working group (TWG) were founded to strengthen inclusive governance.
Burnett stated that these groups have become significant platforms where community issues were tackled thoroughly and resolved.
Moreover, she bared that 72 community safe spaces and 51 social infrastructures were built which are now utilized to deliver psychosocial support and socio-economic services to the target populace.
In addition to this, 72 community working groups, eight cooperatives, and 100 women and youth have been supported with livelihood.
Burnett stressed that beneficiaries could be seen at the moment gradually expanding their businesses and contributing to their local economies.
Meanwhile, the first molecular diagnostic laboratory has also been established to assist in providing timely access to testing for COVID-19, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis.
Looking back on these successes, IOM-Philippines National Project Officer Luzwellah Diaca was elated to highlight how their partners all contributed to the fulfillment of their goals.
She emphasized that this was truly a milestone worthy to be marked, especially by the recipient residents of the city.
“Nagkaroon tayo ng mga collaboration at effort ng bawat isa para magawa natin nang maayos at maitawid natin ang project na ito. Maraming salamat. This is a celebration para sa ating lahat. Hindi ito maaabot ni IOM, KOICA at partners natin kung wala ang mga CWG at 72 barangays,” said Diaca.
(We all had collaborations and each one had efforts so that we could do this well and this project would succeed. Thank you so much. This is a celebration for all of us. This would not be reached by the IOM, KOICA and partners if it had not been for the CWGs and 72 villages.) (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)