MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Over the years, this city has evolved into a flourishing community, led by Mayor Majul Gandamra, who has overseen the development of numerous infrastructures, particularly in the Most Affected Area (MAA). This area had been devastated during the conflict between the Dawlah-inspired Maute group and government forces in 2017.

During his State of the City Address (SOCA) on August 24, Gandamra announced the completion of various projects they pursued in collaboration with the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM).

One of the significant undertakings of the Project Management Office was the Grand Padian Market with an ice plant, whose implementation commenced on June 20, 2020, with an expansive area of 9,757.50 square meters and situated in the reclamation area at the heart of the city.

This state-of-the-art facility manifested their determination to cater to the needs of local entrepreneurs and consumers as they ensured that this would be a vibrant hub, easing the flow of business.

"Alhamdulillah! May malinis na tayong palengke, higit pa sa nakasanayang Padian noon, at kasing-moderno ng mga palengkeng na makikita sa ibang bayan [Praise be to God! We already have a clean market, more than the Padian that we used to know before, and as modern as the markets we can see from other cities]," Mayor Gandamra said.

Moreover, placing peace and unity at the forefront, the local government has successfully created green spaces like the Peace Memorial Park and Marawi Museum, providing families and community members with spaces for leisurely strolls and a break from all the hustle and bustle. These spaces also offer opportunities for reflection on history, drawing inspiration from the area's vibrant cultural heritage, and promoting efforts towards peacebuilding.

In addition to this, Gandamra emphasized their dedication to cultivating education that champions cultural preservation. This commitment led to the establishment of the School of Living Tradition, a crucial institution for nurturing and passing down local traditions and customs to future generations.

"Sadyang napakaganda ng ating kultura, at nararapat lang na bigyan ito ng halaga dahil ang kulturang Meranaw ang aakay sa atin sa pag-unlad ngayon at sa kinabukasan [Our culture is very beautiful, and it is only proper that we give this importance because the Meranaw culture will guide us in our progress now and tomorrow]," he said.

Gandamra further shared that the furnishing of the Marawi City Command Center is underway to serve as the nerve center, amplifying their measures for public safety and efficient emergency response.

He also noted their noble intention of easing the lives of their populace by building a total of 24 barangay complexes equipped with health centers and madrasahs. The city government stated that so far, 19 facilities have already been completed, while three are still ongoing.

Conversely, in an effort to rejuvenate their once-thriving tourism sector, Gandamra highlighted their project to enhance the city's waterfront by building the Lake Lanao Promenade.
Its backfilling works are in progress, wherein pavements are extended to materialize an awe-striking scenery.
Seeing the positive outcome of their unwavering zeal to withstand the aftermath of the 2017 misfortune, Gandamra is confident that they have indeed come out impregnable and irrepressible to carry on their lives and, more than that, regain their lost glory.

"Over the past year, we have faced numerous challenges, but amidst these trials, we have persevered and emerged stronger than ever," he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)