The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) received 27 heavy-duty vehicles from the Government of Japan during the ceremonial turn-over at the Biyaya ng Pagbabago Transitional Shelter Site in Brgy. Sagonsongan.
Seven hydraulic excavators, three bulldozers, three wheel loaders, two motor graders, and 12 10-wheeler dump trucks are included in the first batch of Japan’s assistance to complement the efforts of the national government in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the war-torn city.
Japan Government Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, and Embassy of Japan Minister for Economic Affairs Makoto Iyori led the turnover of heavy-duty vehicles to the TFBM Vice Chairperson, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Chief Mark Villar; and TFBM Field Office Manager, and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr.
“Japan recognized the high priority given by the Philippine government to the rehabilitation of Marawi. I sincerely hope that these equipment will further speed-up efforts in rebuilding Marawi from the ground-up,” Ambassador Koji said in his message before officials and evacuees in Brgy. Sagonsongan.
The heavy machineries will be used in the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts of Marawi and will be co-managed by the TFBM and the DPWH.
Marawi residents are continuously going back to their communities after months of staying in evacuation centers and other places of refuge. However, residents from the most affected area (MAA) are unable to go back to their communities as their houses are left in rubble.
TFBM is seeking to construct temporary shelters to ease the pain of MAA residents who are still staying in evacuation centers as rehabilitation may take years to finish.
Around 11,000 families from the MAA are needing temporary or permanent shelters.
At the onset, the donated heavy machineries can speed-up land development and construction of temporary and permanent shelter sites in different locations in Marawi City and its nearby municipalities as reconstruction of the MAA is yet to begin.
The colossal task of rehabilitating and reconstructing the MAA, composed of 24 barangays, is on its way. Around 250 ha. is expected to undergo full rehabilitation.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Aidiong Jr., and Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra witnessed the event as keys were handed-over to the TFBM.
According to Ambassador Haneda, Japan sees the urgency in restoring the fundamental needs that will bring the lives of people back on track. He adds that the Japanese government will add 10 million pesos of budgetary support to the Philippine government and will expand the existing Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) road development project in Mindanao to include the rehabilitation of roads around Marawi City.
Japan’s turn-over of heavy machinery coincided with the ceremonial signing of grant with UN habitat worth 500 million pesos to provided shelters and livelihood support to displaced Marawi residents and turn-over of passenger vehicles donated by the Mitsubishi Motors Philippines to support government agencies involved in the rehabilitation of Marawi. (PIA-TFBM-ICCC/JAEBata)
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