MARAWI CITY (PIA) -- Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., recently met with members of the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) led by Chairperson Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph.

During the meeting, Galvez said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), through its Social Healing and Peacebuilding Office or SHAPE, continues to hold peace conversations in this once conflict-stricken city as part of its peacebuilding efforts in the area.

He explained that besides helping rebuild the lives of affected residents, these peace conversations aimed to foster open, participatory discussions on key issues related to the aspirations of the Maranao people.

“We would like to reach out to you on how we can help you in addressing issues and concerns that may arise,” Galvez told members of the MCB.

The MCB is a government agency tasked with compensating individuals and entities affected by the siege in 2017 under the Republic Act 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022.

Galvez emphasized the need to confront pressing issues such as inequality, injustice, and discrimination head-on and find effective ways to address them. 

He also acknowledged the importance of learning from past mistakes, committing to never repeating them, and working towards a common vision for the future.

Galvez said that OPAPRU will help find ways to assist those who will not receive financial compensation, specifically through "more on socio-economic programs."

He also said that Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management understands the importance of compensating the victims of the Marawi siege as soon as possible so that they can rebuild their lives and move forward. (OPAPRU/PIA Lanao del Sur)