CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--Ensuring to fast-track the completion of all ongoing Projects, Programs, and Activities (PPAs) under the government-led rehabilitation of Marawi City topped the agenda during the Task Force Bangon Marawi’s (TFBM) Inter-Agency Meeting for the third quarter of 2023 held in this city on Wednesday.

TFBM member agency representatives who still have unfinished undertakings in line with the rehabilitation of the country’s lone Islamic City attended the day-long forum, wherein challenges encountered relative to the implementation of the respective PPAs, as well as measures to address them were discussed.

In her opening remarks, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Assistant Secretary Melissa Aradanas, on behalf of DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, emphasized the new directive issued by the Office of the President (OP), in which the government reiterated its commitment to rehabilitate Marawi City and instructed the TFBM to fast-track the completion of all projects.

“The TFBM had been instructed to obtain monthly progress reports from its member agencies to be submitted to the OP. With this new order, coordination, dedication, and passion to serve our Maranao brothers and sisters have been placed under the limelight more than ever,” ASec. Aradanas stressed in her message.

She likewise noted the completion of several projects now ready for turnover and inauguration. According to the TFBM Assistant Secretary, there is a possibility that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. himself could spearhead the inauguration of the newly completed key structures in time for the sixth anniversary of Marawi’s liberation from the terrorist occupation in October this year.

Asec. Aradanas also stated that sustainable water and electric supply provision to Marawi’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), especially those returning to the Most Affected Area (MAA), remains an utmost priority.

“Let us assure them that the TFBM will leave no stone unturned not only in helping Marawi regain its former economic glory but also in assisting its citizens to return to their normal lives by providing adequate and sustainable homes with access to basic government services. It will not be a walk in the park, but through our hard work and commitment, Marawi will soon be on the verge of becoming a prosperous city once again,” she added.

The Inter-Agency meeting highlighted several ongoing projects, including the Marawi City General Hospital led by the Department of Health, the construction of multiple school buildings under the Department of Education, and the development of the New Marawi City Jail supervised by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Another highlight of the Inter-Agency meeting was the ceremonial signing of the certificate for the turnover and acceptance of the Marawi City Convention Center--a project completed by the National Housing Authority--to the Marawi City Local Government Unit (LGU).

During a short ceremony held on the sidelines of the forum, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra and NHA-IX Regional Manager Al-Khwarizmi Indanan led the signing of the certificate to formally highlight the completion and turnover of another significant structure in line with the massive government-led rehabilitation program.

“As we accept the Marawi Convention Center today, let us recognize the responsibility that comes with this asset. We must utilize it to its fullest potential to ensure that this serves the needs and aspirations of our people,” Gandamra said.

“Moving forward, let us continue to work hand in hand—government agencies, private institutions, and the residents of Marawi City - to bring about positive change, sustainable development, and a better future for all. Together, we will lay the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous Marawi - a city that stands as a shining example of resilience, harmony, and peace,” he added.

Witnessing the activity were TFBM Field Office Manager Felix Castro Jr., who has been newly appointed as Presidential Assistant for Marawi Rehabilitation under the OP, TFBM Deputy Head Secretariat Dir. Raymond Cajayon, DHSUD-X Regional Director Ariel Abragan, TFBM Legal Atty. Siegfrid Lapasaran and TFBM Assistant Project Office Manager Jowie De Villa.

At the forum, TFBM implementing agencies vowed to double their efforts in addressing all areas of concern, more importantly in ensuring the faster completion of their respective PPAs in compliance with the OP’s new directive.

Originally composed of 56 member agencies, the TFBM's primordial mandate is to restore Marawi City to its former economic glory and uplift the lives of those adversely impacted by the Siege. (CVC/TFBM)