Youth is key to preventing violent extremism, says Gandamra

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur–The youth sector must be given opportunities to thrive and grow in an environment of peace so that they will not resort to violent extremism.

This was emphasized by City Mayor Majul Gandamra in his State of the City Address (SOCA) Friday, August 27, explaining why some of the programs of the city government are geared towards taking care of the young people.

“One thing that I will always take pride in is the way that this administration has made the youth and their welfare a priority,” he said.

Among the initiatives undertaken by the city government for the youth sector is the Iskolar ng Marawi which has benefited at least 2,000 elementary to college students.

‘We believe that an educated citizenry that is well-prepared to take responsibility as Marawi City residents is essential to the growth and future of the city,” Gandamra said.

The mayor also said that the city government’s Local Youth Development Office conducted in June, this year, the first-ever Marawi Youth Summit which focused not only on youth development but also on advocating peace and order.

“While we cannot change the things that have already happened in our city, we are in control of our future. With this, I could not emphasize more how we should take good care of our youth,” he further said.

Gandamra maintained that youth is the hope of the country and the city government must ensure that their future is secure so that they will not be lost to the forces that do not support peace and progress. (APB/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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Gandamra outlines efforts to address solid waste management

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur–City Mayor Majul Gandamra encapsulated the various initiatives of the local government of Marawi to address the perennial problem of solid waste management (SWM) in the city in his State of the City Address (SOCA) Friday, August 27.

Gandamra said his administration has implemented various programs and activities on solid waste management such as broadcast and social media campaigns about cleanliness and proper waste disposal, and massive information drive to encourage Marawi residents to practice the “reduce, reuse, and recycle” behavior.

He also said that the city government has stepped up in crafting local ordinances on SWM and intensified the garbage collection in the barangays even to the temporary shelter areas.

Since 2016, the city government has also been implementing the clean, green and beautification drive, the latest was conducted days before Gandamra delivered his SOCA.

“Marami na po tayong nagawa para sa solid waste management dito sa ating lungsod. Marawi na po tayong heavy equpment and trucks na ginagamit para maitaguyod ang kalinisan dito sa Marawi. Parte ng prayoridad ng inyong lingkod ang kalinisan at kaayusan ng ating mahal na Islamic City of Marawi,” he said.

[We have done a lot for solid waste management here in our city. We have heavy equipment and trucks in Marawi that are used to promote cleanliness here in Marawi. Part of your servant’s priority is the cleanliness and order of our beloved Islamic City of Marawi.]

While the city government made some gains in addressing the SWM problem, Gandamra reminded his constituents to cooperate and do their share to address the problem of improper waste disposal and management.

“We all need to manage our solid waste in order to help our sanitation personnel make their work more manageable and less waste will be generated…Hindi nila [garbage collectors] kakayaning mag-isa ang kanilang trabaho kung hindi tayo tutulong,” he further said.

[They (garbage collectors) can’t do their job alone if we don’t help.]

The city’s Central Material Recovery Facility was recently opened to cater to loads of recyclable wastes from all barangays in the city. The said facility includes an administration building, overhauling area, warehouse and storage, and powerhouse with supply, delivery, and a standby power/generator set. This was funded through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Program and implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with the city government.

To complete the SWM infrastructure project in the city, Gandamra said the construction of the sanitary landfill is now underway. (APB/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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Stable peace and order results in more economic activities

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)–City Mayor Majul Gandamra underscored the beneficial impact of a stable peace and order on the economic development of the war-torn city.

In his State of the City Address (SOCA) Friday, August 27, Gandamra said the good consequence of the stability of peace and order is the now booming economic movement in the city, especially among small and medium enterprises.

“Dahil unti-unting nagiging matiwasay ang ating lungsod, napakarami ng mga negosyo, malaki man o maliit, ang kasalukuyang itinatayo dito sa Marawi. Samakatuwid, bumabalik na ang kumpyansa ng ating mga negosyante na mag-invest sa Marawi sapagkat unti-unti nating nasisiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan at pangkalahatang kapayaapn dito,” he said.

[As our city gradually becomes more peaceful, so many businesses, large or small, are currently being built here in Marawi. Therefore, the confidence of our entrepreneurs to invest in Marawi is returning because we are gradually ensuring their safety and general peace here.]

Gandamra cited the semblance of order as proof that law enforcement in the city has become better.

He attributed this to the close collaboration and cooperation between the city government and the security forces in the city particularly the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

According to him, police visibility has increased while CCTV cameras have been placed in vital locations to help monitor the movement of people and traffic. Streetlights were also built strategic roads to ensure the safety and welfare of Marawii residents.

The mayor, however, emphasized that to sustain this stability, the residents should cooperate and support the various programs of the local government on peace and order.

“Kung nais nating pangalagaan ang kapayapaan sa Marawi, marapat lamang na gawin natin ang ating responsibilidad na panatilihing matiwasay ang ating pamumuhay sa lungsod at nang sa ganon at tuloy-tuloy ang pag-arangada ng ating ekonomiya,” he further said.

[If we want to maintain peace in Marawi, we must do our responsibility to keep our life in the city peaceful so that our economy can continue to thrive.] (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur) 

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Gandamra highlights LGU’s efforts to rebuild Marawi in SOCA

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur–Mayor Majul Gandamra of Marawi City highlighted the various efforts of the city government to rehabilitate and rebuild Marawi in his State of the City Address (SOCA) Friday, August 27.

Gandamra said markets and barangay halls with barangay health centers and a Madrasah have been constructed in the most affected area (MAA) of the city. Some mosques have also been refurbished while others are currently being reconstructed.

An integrated terminal has been nearly ready for operation while the construction of School of Living Traditions is also in its finishing stages.

“Maraming nagtatanong at nagpupuna kung bakit kailangan pang gawin ang ganitong imprastraktura. Ito po ay kailangan sapagkat [Many ask and criticize why such infrastructure still need to be built. This is necessary because ] this structure aims to help the preservation of our identity and rich cultural heritage while providing economic opportunities through the tourism industry,” he said.

He also bared that a Marawi Command Center is being constructed in City Hall Complex to serve as the brain of all the security systems that will be placed in various places in the city such as CCTVs, traffic lights, and others.

He further disclosed that a Marawi Promenade is also being built along the danger zones near the lake to serve a dual purpose – a leisure facility and a deterrent for illegal settlers to illegally build their homes.

Gandamra said the construction of permanent homes for those who lost theirs during the siege is also in progress.

“Through the help of public agencies such as the National Housing Authorities, Social Housing and Finance Corporation, and NGOs such as UN-Habitat through the aid of the Japan government, our constituents who have been living in danger zones or those who have lived in reclamation areas before the siege are now gradually being relocated to their new permanent homes and there are more to come,” he further said.

The mayor also stated that he recommended the construction of a fish port in the MAA considering that fishing is one of the main livelihoods in the city.

The city government likewise strives to put up water facilities to provide clean water to its residents.

“Dagdag pa rito, mayroon ding nakaambang na pagpapatayo ng Sewerage Treatment Plant upang maiwasan ang kontaminasyon sa ating natural water sources na gagawin ng Local Water Utilities katuwang ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Marawi,” he added.

[In addition, there is also the imminent construction of a Sewerage Treatment Plant to prevent contamination of our natural water sources which will be done by Local Water Utilities in collaboration with the local government of Marawi.]

Meanwhile, Gandamra appealed to Marawi residents to be more patient and understanding of the dynamics in the rehabilitation.

He said it is not as easy to rebuild a city that has been destroyed to a greater extent and that building better takes time. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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IDPs urged to sustain livelihood projects from CFSI

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur–Internally displaced persons (IDPs) who benefited from the Australian government’s Marawi Covid Recovery Project (MCRP) through the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) were encouraged to develop and sustain the livelihood projects they received.

“Tayo ay magpromise na aayusin natin ang mga livelihood, mamahalin natin yung mga binigay sa atin, at papalaguin ang ating mga livelihood (project), said Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Office manager Asec. Felix Castro Jr. during the handover of assistance to IDPs in Boganga Lakeview Transitory Shelter Wednesday, August 11.

[Let us promise that we will take care of the livelihoods, we will love what was given to us, and we will sustain the livelihoods project.]

Castro said the IDPs are fortunate because the Australian government which is a generous and willing partner of the Philippine government continuously assists in Marawi recovery.

City mayor Majul Gandamra echoed the same point in his message read by his chief-of-staff Dr. Imedla Gandamra-Taib wherein he urged IDPs to use and develop the assistance wisely and make it an instrument for their recovery not just from the 2017 siege but also from the pandemic.

“Alalahanin ninyo na ang tunay na tagumpay at pagbangon ay pinagtatrabaho-an at ang tanging makapagbigay nito sa inyo ay inyo ring mga sarili,” he said.

[Remember that you must work to rise again and achieve true success, and the only ones who can give this to you is yourself.]

Gandamra said the assistance provided by the local government of Marawi and its partners is only a guide and the key to full recovery and development lies in the hands of the people.

The MCRP is an expansion of the Australia-CFSI partnership that supports the recovery of IDPs from the impacts of the Covid-19. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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Aussie ambassador hails IDPs resilience, Bayanihan spirit

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)–Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson lauded the resilience and unity of internally displaced persons (IDPs) here amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In his message during his fourth visit to Marawi on Wednesday, August 11, he thanked the IDPs for not falling into despair despite the day-to-day challenges that they confront.

“We know that the road to recovery has been long and has been really difficult but you will get there very soon,” Robinson told the IDPs reassuring them that the Australian government will continue to pour in support for them.

The Ambassador also encouraged the IDPs to keep the Filipino ‘Bayanihan’ trait alive which is akin to the Australian “mateship” that conveys friendship and solidarity.

“I can still see that the spirit of Bayanihan is much alive in each and every one of you so please continue to work together and help one another as you rebuild your lives, your home, and your communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Robinson expressed appreciation to the partners of the Australian government in its endeavors to help in the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi specifically mentioning the CFSI, UNHCR, UNFPA, Marawi City government, and Task Force Bangon Marawi.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners for their unwavering commitment to uplift the lives of the people in Marawi. I am very proud of what our collaboration has achieved to this day,” the Ambassador said. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

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Australia assures continuous support for Marawi’s recovery

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur–The Australian government assured that it will continue to support the recovery of Marawi.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson gave the assurance on Wednesday, August 11, during a handover of assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) staying in Lakeview Transitory Shelter in Brgy. Boganga, this city.

“Australia stands by the Philippine government and will continue to support more families on their road to recovery,” he said.

Spearheaded by Community and Family Services International (CFSI), the handover of assistance is part of the Marawi Covid Recovery Project (MCRP) funded by the Australian government that aims to help families recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

“It doesn’t end here, there’s so much more work to be done and Australia is going to be with you for the foreseeable future,” he said to the IDPs.

During the ceremony, five IDPs were awarded livelihood support, two got assistive devices and five received certificates of live birth.

“To those who will receive their birth certificate, I hope that this document will help you access different government services and open up lots of opportunities. I also wish for the health and wellbeing of our partners needing assistive devices. And to the recipients of livelihood support, I wish you great success in building a better future for your families, ” the Ambassador said.

Robinson also joined a focus group discussion to assess how the IDPs are coping up with the pandemic. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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Australian Ambassador visits Marawi’s Lakeview Shelter

CFSI Executive Director Steven Muncy hands over a nebulizer to an IDP as part of the psychosocial support component of the Marawi Covid Recovery Project funded by the Australian government. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson (right), TFBM Field Office Manager Asec. Felix Castro Jr., and Dr. Imelda Gandamra-Taib of LGU Marawi witness the handover.

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur–As part of the Australian government’s continuous support to Marawi recovery, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson visited the Lakeview Shelter in Boganga village Wednesday, August 11.

Robinson led the handover of assistance to beneficiaries of the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) in the shelter.

In his message, the Ambassador noted that a lot has changed since his last visit to the city. ” I remember going to what was called the tent city but it’s good to see that no one lives there anymore and now you are in a much safer place,” he said.

Robinson also gave assurance that the Australian government will continue to support the recovery of Marawi amid the pandemic.

“Through our trusted partner CFSI, we extended assistance to help affected families deal with the additional challenges brought by the pandemic,” he said.

The assistance handed over to 12 community members is under the Marawi Covid Recovery Project (MCRP) of CFSI which is funded by the Australian government.

CFSI Executive Director Steven Muncy said the assistance delivered to displaced families has three major components. These are livelihood support, protection support which includes civil documentation such as certificate of live birth, and psychosocial support including provision of assistive devices for people with disability or chronic health conditions.

This project, he said, is being carried out in close collaboration with CFSI’s partners such as UNHCR, UNFPA, Mindanao State University, the city government of Marawi, and the affected community, among others.

Grateful beneficiaries

One of the IDPs who received a ‘coconut grater’ livelihood project is Faidarah Limbona Ampac, 31 years old, and with six children. When asked what she can say about the livelihood project, she said “Penalamat ta ka kiyaogopan ta iran ko kawiyagan ta sa khapakala iya (I am thankful because they helped boost my livelihood).”

Hasana Pangandaman also expressed her gratitude to CFSI and the Australian government. “Penalamatan k siran a iniped ako iran ko pamemegayan iran a livelihood (I want to thank them for including me as a beneficiary of the livelihood support),” she said. The 41-year old Hasana is a mother of eight children who used to reside in East Marinaut village before the siege,

22-year old Sohaila Ibrahim and 82-year old Radia Talo are also thankful for the assistive device they received.

Talo said the nebulizer can provide him immediate relief from an asthma attack and help him breathe freely. Ibrahim, on the other hand, said she is happy to have her own nebulizer as she can save money from buying medicines for her asthma.

Mateship and Bayanihan

Ambassador Robinson said this year marked the 75 years of the diplomatic relationship between Australia and the Philippines. The celebration, he said, is anchored on the theme of mateship similar to the “Bayanihan” tradition of Filipinos.

With this, he urged IDPs to keep the Filipino ‘Bayanihan’ spirit alive and work together in rebuilding their lives, their home, and their communities. (APB/PIA Lanao del Sur)

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