MARAWI CITY (PIA)--The forging of effective and strong ties to international partners is one of the ongoing achievements of the extensive government-led rehabilitation of Marawi, as was highlighted during a recent visit by an Australian delegation to this city.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Assistant Secretary for Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Melissa A. Aradanas welcomed Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Haek Kyong Yu, Australian Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism Richard Feakes, and delegates from the Embassy during a courtesy call at the TFBM Field Office on Tuesday.
Representing DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, Assistant Secretary Aradanas emphasized the government’s commitment to pushing for the Islamic City’s full rehabilitation through the TFBM and its member agencies that expressed optimism on the continued partnership between the Philippine and Australian governments in promoting Mindanao’s overall development.
“Vital to this very same mission, the TFBM had likewise committed partnerships with the international community, including the Australian government, in further promoting peace-building initiatives and other related activities for our Maranao brothers and sisters,” Assistant Secretary Aradanas said.
“Much work indeed still needs to be done, but through our concerted efforts and continued cooperation, we can ensure that Marawi’s rebuilding process remains on the right track. Rest assured that the government, through the TFBM, will get the job done,” she noted.
DHSUD Assistant Secretary for TFBM Melissa A. Aradanas welcomes Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Haek Kyong Yu, Australian Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism Richard Feakes and delegates from the Australian Embassy during a courtesy call at the TFBM Field Office in Marawi City on Tuesday. (TFBM)
Ambassador Yu, on the other hand, stated that Australia has always been the Philippines’ long-standing and steadfast partner, more importantly in promoting stability, not only in Marawi City but also across the region.
“This is a wonderful partnership we have with the Philippine government in trying to achieve sustainable peace, stability, and economic growth in this region. This is my first time in Marawi City, so I’m looking forward to this conversation with you about the real progress made in this region and to see for ourselves the Most Affected Area (MAA) and the recovery efforts underway. Of course, the Australian government has always been your long-standing, steadfast partner,” the Australian envoy said.
Also present at the courtesy call were TFBM Deputy Head Secretariat Dir. Raymond L. Cajayon, DHSUD-X Regional Director and TFBM Field Office Director-in-Charge Ariel B. Abragan, and TFBM-FO Project Office Manager Felix J. Castro, Jr.
The Australian delegation likewise visited several completed projects inside Marawi City’s MAA, such as the Peace Park and the iconic Grand Mosque. Part of the delegation’s official visit to the country’s lone Islamic City is to witness firsthand the overall progress under the government-led rehabilitation to obtain details on the Philippines’ anti-terrorism efforts.
The Australian delegation toured a number of completed projects inside Marawi City’s Most Affected Area such as the Peace Park and the iconic Grand Mosque. (TFBM)
Meanwhile, in line with government efforts to fully rehabilitate Marawi City, the return of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Marawi City's MAA is primordial consideration.
To help our Maranao brothers and sisters adversely impacted by the 2017 siege, compensation for damaged properties, as well as loss of personal belongings and lives, is very important.
The DHSUD, on behalf of the TFBM represented by Assistant Secretary Aradanas, has signed a Data Sharing Agreement with Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) Chairperson Maisara Damdamun-Latiph for the Kathanor (Profile of IDPs), which the MCB may use as a guide in determining who is eligible to receive compensation.
The TFBM-led Kathanor is a biometrics-based profiling wherein the number, location, status, and other relevant personal information of Marawi IDPs are thoroughly collected and placed in a database.
The activity signifies the government’s commitment to supporting and working alongside the MCB in fulfilling its functions to ensure the success of delivering the promise of reparation. Also in attendance to witness the significant event was TFBM Legal Atty. Siegfrid E.G. Lapasaran.
During President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address last month, he lauded the progress of Marawi’s rebuilding process, evidenced by the completion of numerous infrastructure projects.
He likewise highlighted the start of the processing of applications for compensation under RA No. 11696 led by the MCB, expressing hope that unity, peace, and harmony will continue to prevail not only in Marawi City but also across the Mindanao region. (CVC/DHSUD)
ROAD TO RECOVERY CONTINUES: In line with government efforts in helping our Maranao brothers and sisters adversely impacted by the Marawi Siege return to their normal lives, the DHSUD, on behalf of the TFBM, finalized a Data Sharing Agreement with the MCB. Assistant Secretary for TFBM Melissa A. Aradanas, representing Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, and MCB Chairperson Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph signed the agreement for data-sharing on the Kathanor in a simple ceremony held at the DHSUD Central Office on Wednesday. (TFBM)
