MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is confident that the onset of the acceptance of applications for the compensation of war victims here in 2017 will lead to the resurgence of the country’s only Islamic city.
He reflected on past events that robbed the locality of its livelihood and homes, leaving the city in ruins and disrupting the lives of its residents.
More than half a decade has passed, and President Marcos was elated to see another chapter unfolding and opportunities for the city here.
"We move a step closer as we fulfill our promise of rehabilitation and recovery to the people of Marawi. The commencement of the filing of the application for the claims reflects the government’s commitment to open the path towards the full revival of this important city," he said.
President Marcos has acknowledged the chairperson and members comprising the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) for acting on the plans for rehabilitation laid out in Republic Act No. 11696, or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022.
He likewise encouraged his appointed officials to let their zeal to enforce the law be deeply anchored in their desire to re-establish a sense of pride and community among the citizenry here.
President Marcos was positive that through their joint adherence, they could guarantee that development and peace would once again flourish in the city and in the hearts of thousands of internally displaced persons.
This, as he hoped that the government’s financial assistance would enable beneficiaries to rebuild their homes and lives while the rebirth of the city’s social, economic, cultural, and spiritual treasures would be witnessed.
President Marcos firmly reiterated that his administration would remain dedicated to ensuring the recovery of the locality and the achievement of its long-term goal of safeguarding peace and order in Mindanao.
"We shall strengthen our rehabilitation efforts and reinforce the foundation for peace, security, and development for the next generation. The genuine compassion we have for our people, the burning desire to foster peace, and the loving openness to diversity will rebuild Marawi City and strengthen the Philippines in the years to come," he said.
As per the approved implementing rules and regulations, residents here whose properties were destroyed and damaged and whose loved ones were missing or dead due to the 2017 siege can start processing their claims for monetary compensation starting July 4 this year until July 3, 2024. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)