MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) vowed to continue extending support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) here.
DILG Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez said their office plans to create a one-stop shop to help the claimants concerning the documents and other competent evidence needed to support their claims.
"Nilapitan na namin si Vice-Gov kung pwede ba kaming magkaroon ng one-stop shop na para nandoon po yung legal at mga agencies na pwedeng mag provide ng evidences. Makikipag coordinate kami sa LGUs para we could mobilize and get more lawyers involve po," she said.
(We have approached Vice-Gov if we can have a one-stop shop so that the legal and other agencies that can provide evidence are there. We will coordinate with the LGUs so that we can mobilize and get more lawyers involved.)
In addition to the one-stop-shop, she also shared that the DILG has already talked to the National Housing Authority (NHA) regarding the expiration of the lease in the temporary shelters. She shared that the DILG will coordinate with the concerned local government units to address the issue and move the IDPs to a more permanent place.
Meanwhile, GCERF National Advisor Lawyer Jen Buan said their organization has been partnering with civil society organizations here to share legal advice to the IDPs in knowing their rights to have a voice in policy-making and provide knowledge on how to process their claims.
She added that they have ongoing programs in other places focusing on psychosocial support for various communities. They are considering extending these programs to the Marawi communities, particularly if the internally displaced persons (IDPs) require this support.
"We also have existing programs that look at psychosocial support for communities. But for now, we don't have it yet for the Marawi programs. It is something that can be expanded," she explained.
Meanwhile, MCB Chairperson Lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph extended her gratitude to the DILG, GCERF, and the civil society organizations for their active and continuous collaboration with the MCB. She noted that their monthly meeting with civil society organizations symbolizes good collaboration with the government and the communities.
"We know that democratic participation is the key to sustainable peace. Inclusivity and community-level participation are really grinding us to succeed. What we are trying to do is to be just in terms of awarding the claims. What you can expect from us is that we will be very fair, transparent, and open in our processes," said Latiph. (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
