MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday recognized the significant stride made under the Marawi rehabilitation following the infamous urban firefight in 2017.

In his 2nd State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa, President Marcos underscored that the country’s lone Islamic city has slowly regained its vigor as more projects were completed and numerous public infrastructures have been successfully erected in ground zero.

He further shared that now, the government has initiated the commencement of the processing of payment for those whose properties were ruined, and with some family members lost due to the same tragedy.

To recall, President Marcos introduced the composition of the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) through the appointment of lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph as chairperson together with her eight members, namely Dalomabi Lao Bula, Mustapha Dimaampao, Moslemen Macarambon Sr., Nasser Macapado Tabao, Mabandes Sumndad Diron Jr., Jamaica Lamping Dimaporo, Sittie Aliyyahh Lomondot Adiong, and Romaisa Lomantong Mamutuk. 

Such a group officially began the acceptance of claims applications on July 4 this year and announced to end it on July 3, 2024.

Accordingly, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated P1 billion initial funding for the pilot batch of legitimate claimants while pledging more to cover additional qualified applicants.

Intending not to put a halt in their developing undertaking, President Marcos looked forward to the locality being magnified once again as a community with citizens fostering a brighter attitude and future ahead of them.

“Nawa’y mamayani ang pag-asa. Nawa’y magpatuloy ang pagkakaisa, pagmamatyag, at paghahangad ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran,” he said.

(May hope prevail. May we continue the unity, vigilance and desire for peace and progress.)

Earlier, President Marcos signified his firm commitment to ensuring the recovery of the city here alongside his administration’s 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 shall rebuild Marawi City and strengthen the Philippines in the years to come,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)