MARAWI CITY--This year’s commemoration of the 6th anniversary of Marawi’s liberation from the terrorist occupation gained more significance as the government has vowed anew to fast-track the full rehabilitation of the country’s lone Islamic City.

After lauding the ongoing progress of the government-led rehabilitation during his second State of the Nation Address earlier this year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. reiterated his administration’s commitment to achieving Marawi’s full rehabilitation and, more importantly, the return to normalcy of its residents.

Presidential Assistant for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez, Jr. delivered President Marcos’ message at the event, wherein the Commander-in-Chief lauded the bravery of the uniformed personnel who fought for peace and freedom in Marawi, as well as our Maranao brothers and sisters for their resiliency towards attaining full recovery.

“My profound gratitude goes to the passionate groups and individuals who tirelessly work to uplift Marawi, the bustling city it used to be. If the accomplishments, changes, and promises that come with this year’s celebration highlight anything, I hope it underscores our unceasing dedication to helping our Maranao brothers and sisters achieve peace, security, and normalcy,” Sec. Galvez stressed, quoting the President.

“Much remains to be done despite all that we have accomplished. So, I hope we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the noble tasks that still lie ahead of us,” he noted.

“But rest assured, my dear fellow Filipinos, that this administration will strive to achieve the goals we have set for you and your city. The government will expedite the completion of all the Marawi rehabilitation projects and process all the claims with utmost urgency and responsiveness. We will likewise address the cause of all underlying unrest so we can rebuild better, attain social healing, and lay down a better path for the future of each of you here.”

Kicking off Tuesday’s celebration was a wreath-laying ceremony held at Kampo Ranao, wherein Sec. Galvez and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. spearheaded the solemn event, which paid homage to the 168 government troops who died in the five-month battle with ISIS-inspired terrorist groups six years ago.

Provincial and local government officials, including Lanao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong and Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra, also joined them.

Likewise, senior officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and local citizens who participated in the event once again highlighted the courage and resiliency of the country’s uniformed personnel, all working together to ensure that peace can prevail in Marawi.

In his message, Mayor Gandamra warmly welcomed all the participants and highlighted the heroism of those who fought for the city’s liberation.

“Today, as we begin this momentous occasion with the wreath-laying ceremony, we pay tribute to the heroes who have sacrificed their lives to defend our beloved city. Their unwavering commitment to safeguarding our freedom has left an indelible part in our hearts and our nation. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice,” he said.

Later in the day, Sec. Galvez and Gen. Brawner joined Presidential Assistant for Marawi Rehabilitation Felix J. Castro, Jr. in the turnover and acceptance ceremony for several completed projects under the massive government-led rehabilitation held at the Marawi City Hall Complex.

Among the projects that were turned over to their respective end-users were the Sarimanok Sports Stadium and Marawi Convention Center by the National Housing Authority, the 19 barangay halls with madrasah and health clinics in the Most Affected Area, Marawi City Museum, School of Living Traditions and Restored Historical Landmarks (Marawi City LGU), Central Material Recovery Facility (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), and Trading Post/Food Terminal (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).

Senators Francis “Tol” Tolentino and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, meanwhile, expressed their support through recorded video messages during the event.

The two senior legislators also expressed optimism on Marawi City’s road to recovery and lauded the government’s continued efforts–through the TFBM and its member agencies–in helping affected residents return to their normal lives.

Other distinguished guests present were Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) Chairperson Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph and DENR Assistant Secretaries Michelle Angelica Go and Ruth Tawantawan.

In her Message of Peace, Sec. Latiph trumpeted the government’s efforts in finally kicking off processing for compensation claims under the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act (Republic Act No.11696) through the MCB.

Over the past years, the TFBM, in coordination with its member agencies, development partners, local and traditional leaders, as well as civil society organizations, has marked the event through a series of activities promoting peace, progress, and camaraderie among all stakeholders.

Some of the activities lined up for this year’s celebration are a cybersecurity seminar by the Department of Information and Communication Technology, a tree-planting activity organized by the Cooperative Development Authority, and a fireworks display during the culmination program to be led by the Marawi City LGU and its partner-agencies. (CVC/TFBM/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)