MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Years after the historic 2017 warfare here, the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) remains motivated to realize its mandate of completing rehabilitation undertakings in this Islamic city.  

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Assistant Secretary for TFBM Melissa Aradanas reiterated their commitment to mend the shattered picture of the locality by paving the way for necessary interventions to come in.

“The TFBM will leave no stone unturned in not only helping Marawi regain its former economic glory but also help its citizens return to their normal lives through the provision of adequate and sustainable homes with access to basic government services,” she said during the third quarter inter-agency meeting of the task force Wednesday, September 6.

Aradanas stressed that through the concerted efforts of the implementing agencies, several projects have already attained completion and launched, such as the Sarimanok Sports Stadium and Convention Center. 

She recalled how President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. lauded this progress during his second State of the Nation Address. 

Aradanas shared that despite witnessing development, the Office of the President issued a new directive for the immediate completion of pending projects, programs, and activities intended to rebuild the city and ease the living of internally displaced persons (IDPs). 

Additionally, the TFBM was mandated to submit reports that would magnify the dedication and passion of every implementing agency in the limelight. 

Aradanas mentioned that with the upcoming anniversary of the city's liberation, more inauguration of public infrastructure projects would transpire which would possibly be facilitated by President Marcos Jr. 

“The sixth anniversary of Marawi City’s liberation from the terrorists’ occupation is just around the corner. There is a possibility that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself will spearhead the inauguration of such key facilities in time for the commemoration,” she said. 

Ever more determined to march to the end of the restoration program, an inter-agency meeting was also spearheaded by the task force for the member agencies to provide reports of their respective projects.

Aradanas believed this would serve as a platform setting forth mechanisms to finally resolve and address lurking issues of the rehabilitation works, including securing sufficient and sustainable water and power supplies. 

Further, she expressed her confidence that their noble pursuit for the city here would bear fulfilling results, especially since the Marawi Compensation Board has started accepting and processing applications for compensation. 

“There is no doubt that Marawi City’s road to recovery indeed remains on the right track,” said Aradanas. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)