MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)-- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) expressed its awe upon witnessing in person the heart-moving resilience of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who suffered much from the impacts brought about by the historic battle in 2017.

This occurred during the most recent tour of the agency alongside the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) and Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) around the most affected area (MAA). They visited and assessed the rehabilitation efforts being carried out by the national government through the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and its implementing agencies.

DILG Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs and Communication Lawyer, Margarita Gutierrez, conveyed that she was impressed by the people here and their one-of-a-kind strength to withstand the aftermath of the destruction.

She particularly emphasized her astonishment after seeing the living hope in every local, although six years had passed since the unforgettable conflict.

Highlighting this unique trait, Gutierrez expressed that she has been stirred to enforce programs, especially for needy constituents.

She assured them that she would spare sufficient time, be determined, and have constant coordination and communication with the locals to let them know that efforts for them would carry on while answering their needs.

“It is a beautiful city. Ang babait ng mga tao [People are kind]. They are very warm and receptive. Ang resilience nila ay kakaiba [Their resilience is rare]. I am so inspired and motivated, and now I am very committed to help,” she said.

In fulfillment of her promise, the DILG undersecretary shared that she has talked with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to figure out plans to address the expiration of the contract of the dwellers staying in temporary shelters.

She stated that she would also coordinate with the city government to discuss the transfer of the affected residents to permanent sites.

In terms of the desired compensation for siege victims, Gutierrez revealed that some matters have already been elucidated by the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB), which has been patient and transparent in showing the progress of the implemented payment processing.

With the dialogue held between their parties, she magnified the need to strengthen communication and assistance for claimants, as others did not have competent evidence or proof of ownership to establish their claims.

The DILG Undersecretary hoped that its office could ease the burden through coordinating with the city government here and aiding in intensifying the information dissemination drive.

As they continue to extend a helping hand in this city, Gutierrez heartily encouraged the public to continue participating in dialogues involving government offices.

She was optimistic that with this whole-of-nation approach, they could help the target community and strengthen all necessary efforts.

“I really salute you (IDPs) for your resilience. Alam ko marami pa kaming kailangang gawin. Dahil diyan, nagpapasalamat kami sa pagsuporta niyo. Sana magcontinue lang kayo magsupport. Sama-sama tayong magtulungan [I know that we still have a lot of things to do. Because of that, we are thankful for your support. I hope you continue supporting us. Together, let us help each other],” said Gutierrez. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)