MARAWI CITY—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bangsamoro government's Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), on August 10, at Dusit Thani Residences in Davao City, for the implementation of the P66 million "TALES of Marawi" project.

The "TALES of Marawi" will be implemented from August 2023 to July 2024 as part of the Task Form Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Phase 2 project.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said DTI, being the focal agency for entrepreneurship, business, and livelihood assistance, has supported the implementation of TFBM Phase 1 through the provision of livelihood starter kits, the establishment of Shared Service Facilities (SSFs), and the facilitating of retail spaces for Maranao products which primarily benefitted the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

"And now, I profoundly express my unwavering commitment to implementing the Task Force Bangon Marawi Phase 2 solely dedicated to carrying out comprehensive programs for the continuous revival of [the] Marawi city economy," Pascual remarked.

MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik said the TALES of Marawi project proposes a comprehensive intervention for the economic revitalization of Marawi. The "TALES of Marawi" encompasses far more than mere reconstruction efforts," he said.

Taddik explained that the project serves as a representation of dedication to (T) touring for the vibrant culture Marawi culture, (A) appreciating its abundant culinary heritage, (L) learning from its stories of resilience and triumph against extremists, (E) exploring its unique landscape ad customs, and (S) sharing the essence of togetherness concord in Marawi.

For her part, MTIT Director General Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo, said they want to showcase the vibrant economy and unique culture of Marawi through the project.

"Gusto namin maipakita yung magandang economy ng BARMM particularly ang Marawi sa project na ito pati na din ang unique culture," she said.

[In this project, we want to show the good economy of BARMM, particularly Marawi as well as the unique culture.]

In May 2017, the people of Marawi were forced to flee the comfort of their homes when a group of extremists took over the city. The catastrophe has resulted in massive displacement, loss of lives, and livelihood.

The Bangsamoro Government was not established yet during the siege and its establishment was almost deferred by the crisis. However, in 2019 when Republic Act 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law was ratified, it instituted a new autonomous regional government which enabled the Bangsamoro to assist their fellow.

Today, the current leadership of Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim has its own "Marawi Rehabilitation Program" (MRP) under his office, intended mainly for the city's rehabilitation. 

Accordingly, support for Marawi rehabilitation is one of the Chief Minister's enhanced 12-point priority agenda by providing meaningful and IDP-centered support for ongoing reconstruction and recovery of the city.

"I am optimistic that the signing of this agreement would herald in a new age of development in terms of commerce and industry," Ebrahim said.

He added that the signing "is a testament to the undeterred commitment of the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government to sustain the dividends of the peace process".

Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal "Bombit" Adiong Jr., Vice-Chair of the BARMM Business Council Abdul Rashid Macala, DTI Region XI Regional Director Maria Belenda Ambi, and other distinguished guests witnessed the MOA signing. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)