Marawi up to host events with new stadium, convention center

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--Marawi is now capable of hosting sports activities and other events within its premises as it unveiled its newly built Sarimanok Sports Stadium and Convention Center Friday, May 20.

Amid the commemoration of the Marawi Week of Peace this year, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) introduced the facilities which the city can foster for its hosting endeavors. 

 

NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. underscored that these projects of the Authority will serve as the legacy of those that have been part of the planning, coordination and implementation of the initiatives pursued under the rehabilitation program.

 

He added that as they put their hearts into their undertakings for the recovery of the city, they wanted to show that the NHA is more than efficient to do what was normal for them and that by their own expertise and performance, they visibly displayed how they could do a lot better for the citizens here. 

 

“We will not leave Marawi behind. We will not leave Marawi as it was before but we will make sure with the words of the President himself that Marawi will rise again. Ang himuon sa National Housing Authority is ipadayon ang mga nasugdan nato nga projects [What the National Housing Authority will do is to continue the projects that we have started],” said Escalada. 

 

The general manager stated that the most difficult part is not the construction but the maintenance and operations of the facilities, thus, the challenge upon the city government to manage and maintain the newly erected infrastructures.

 

Meanwhile, City Mayor Majul Gandamra conveyed his gratitude to the national government, saying that without the support and contributions, the city might not have been able to bounce back from the darkness of its past.

 

He stressed that while these projects brought benefits in terms of their potential to lead events, these also set the image of the locality and its citizenry being able to withstand the hurdles of time. 

 

“Ang mga imprastraktura na ito ay hindi lamang magsisilbing pasilidad kung saan pwede tayong maghost ng malalaking sports o public event. Ito rin ay magiging simbolo ng Marawi at ang kanyang pagbangon muli sa pait ng kanyang kasaysayan. Ito ay magsisilbing simbolo ng ating katatagan bilang mga anak ng Marawi kung saan walang anumang suliranin ang hindi malalagpasan. At, ito ay magsisilbing simbolo ng ating pagkakaisa tungo sa isang mas maunlad, mapayapa at progresibong Marawi City,” said Gandamra. 

 

[These infrastructures do not only serve as facilities where we can host big sports or public events. These will also symbolize Marawi and its rise from bitter history. These will serve as a symbol of our firmness as children of Marawi in which there is no problem that we cannot surpass.] 

 

Although the Sarimanok Sports Stadium and the Convention Center were not finished during their soft opening, the NHA guaranteed that they would attain their completion in August this year. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Dela Rosa lauds TFBM, IDPs for Marawi rehab efforts

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa commended the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and the internally displaced persons (IDPs) for taking their share of responsibilities in the rehabilitation of the siege-stricken city. 

In his message during the soft opening of Sarimanok Sports Stadium Friday, May 20, he magnified the task force and its component agencies as the frontliners in restoring the most affected area (MAA) on behalf of the national government. 

“Alam ko na napakaraming challenges na kinaharap ninyo sa inyong efforts dito sa rebuilding ng Marawi but still, hindi kayo nawalan ng lakas ng loob. Itinuloy ninyo ang inyong hangarin na maibangon muli ang Marawi. Maraming salamat sa Task Force Bangon Marawi,” said Dela Rosa.

[I know that these were so many challenges you faced with your efforts here in rebuilding Marawi but still, you have not lost courage. You have pursued your desire of rebuilding Marawi. Thank you so much to Task Force Bangon Marawi.]

Further, recognize displaced residents for their resilience, patience, and understanding.

“Sa mga residente ng most affected area at other affected areas ng Marawi City kung saan nakita talaga natin ang kanilang resilience at pagsisikap na makabangon muli, ako ay humahanga sa inyong patience at pag-intindi sa gobyerno. Maraming salamat, Marawi siege victims,” said Dela Rosa. 

[To the residents of the most affected area and other affected areas in Marawi City wherein we can see their resilience and effort to rise again, I am in awe of your patience and understanding for the government. Thank you so much, Marawi siege victims.]

With the overall performance of the rehabilitation program here, the senator, being the chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation, expressed his happiness as he saw that the endeavors here were effective and bearing positive results.

As such, he likewise looked forward that this might be an instrument for putting more hope in the government and its aim for the betterment of its people.

“Sana ay ito ang magiging transportasyon ng ating mga kababayan towards the road of recovery. Sana ito ay maging simbolo na ang ating gobyerno ay hindi tayo iniwan, tayo ay sinasamahan sa panahon ng paghihirap at ginagabayan sa ating pagbangon,” said Dela Rosa. 

[I hope this will be the transportation of our countrymen towards the road of recovery. I hope this will become the symbol that our government never left us, was with us in the time of difficulties, and guided us for our rise.] (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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PH Sports Commission backs run of sports programs in Marawi

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--Following the soft opening of the Sarimanok Sports Stadium, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) expressed its support for holding sports programs, believing that the new facility will justify its purpose in this manner. 

 

“Kami sa PSC ay willing makipagcollaborate doon sa ating sports program para magamit itong sports center na ito for better use,” said PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey Friday, May 20. 

 

[We, in the PSC, are willing to collaborate on the sports program so that we can have this sports center for better use.]

 

Earlier, the commissioner had conveyed his delightfulness for the incorporation of the sports component in the rehabilitation of the city. 

 

He reiterated what South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela stated that sports change the world, and inspire and unite people.

 

Maxey further emphasized that sports can bring advancement to the city alongside security.

 

“When we have a sports facility like this, it promotes sports and we know that sports is the greatest vehicle for peace… Tayo ay para talaga sa [We are really for] sports. We all yearn for sports. We desire sports not just for you and me but for the children and the generations to come,” he said. 

 

Given the location of the Sarimanok Sports Stadium which is fronting Lake Lanao here, the PSC hoped that its area would soon be developed as the center for water sports. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Marawi permanent shelters a safe haven to IDPs, says mayor

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra underscores that the new homes of the displaced families built by the UN-Habitat were funded by the Japan government and will serve as a safe haven for the dwellers. (PIA-10/Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Following the completion of the permanent housing project of the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) which was funded by the people of Japan, Mayor Majul Gandamra conveyed optimism that the permanent houses in the city will exceed in living out its basic purpose of being a mere shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs). 

 

“This house will not only serve as a roof for our displaced brothers and sisters but this will also serve as a safe haven to fix what has been broken caused by the darkest days of our city’s history,” he said.

 

Gandamra stressed that the city government had been eyeing the housing projects for impacted residents with the support of the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), and its implementing agencies and non-government organizations.

 

Lawyer Arnolfo Ricardo Cabling, president of the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), one of the land developers of the housing project, expressed his happiness that children would already have safe spaces to play and study who he hoped to grow to be good citizens who can contribute their skills to building a just, prosperous and peaceful society.

 

He stated that with the houses turned into homes, they were not rebuilding the city physically but also socially. 

 

“I always believe that the best way to help Filipino families in the long term is to provide them homes in safe communities. This is particularly true for communities recovering from devastation like Marawi. There is physical and psychological security to begin from having a new home, especially after having a traumatic episode. It can also be the foundation for mending broken dreams and aspirations. I hope that the families will treasure their homes,” said Cabling. 

 

TFBM Chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario remarked that the housing project was relevant to the major objectives of the rehabilitation program which are acting as a catalyst for growth and sustainable development, triggering good governance, and attaining a peaceful environment. 

 

He emphasized that with the building of the new housing units, recipients will be charged with no cost as directed by the administration. 

 

“There are no more gains [for houses built] because all these housing projects will be given to you for free as a total grant because that is the instruction of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Libre lahat ng facilities [All facilities will be free] so that you will have a very sustainable community,” said Del Rosario.

 

Seeing the newly formed homes for his constituents, Gandamra looked forward to the full recovery of his city. 

 

“A project such as the comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction of a great part of the Islamic City of Marawi is not something that we could do overnight. While we think of it as very simple to achieve, it is actually very complicated. We may not be able to rebuild what Marawi was before the infamous siege but it is our joint commitment with our partners that we will rebuild a better Marawi,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Displaced locals hail new homes from UN-Habitat, Japan gov’t

Marawi IDPs who became beneficiaries of the housing project of UN-Habitat convey their deepest gratitude to the organization and the people of Japan that founded the said effort. (PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Displaced residents here celebrated and delivered their gratefulness as they were handed over new homes where their families can already dwell for good. 

 

This, as a total of 1,000 permanent housing units were completely constructed by the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) under the Rebuilding Marawi through Community-driven Shelter and Livelihood Project funded by the Japan government, and the land development made possible by the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC).

 

Internally displaced person (IDP) Ashari Macaraya Bani who received a unit in the UN-Habitat’s share at Pamayandeg sa Ranao Residences at Dansalan (PRRD) at Brgy. Kilala shared that during the dawning of the firefight in the city, he and his family evacuated and failed to anticipate the end of the conflict as they initially expected that after the shortest time, they would be able to return to their home. 

 

He stated that little did they know that the siege would last for five months and they were in agony as they were put in the situation of being uncomfortable staying in a place that was far from what they call home. 

 

Bani cited that during their suffering, they were favored enough to have the UN-Habitat which did not only provide them well-built shelter but also assistance for their sustenance.

 

“Satisfied kami kasi ang UN-Habitat ay nagbigay naman sa amin ng livelihood kapalit ng mga nasirang kabuhayan sa Marawi. Nagagalak kami kasi iyong mga nasirang bahay namin sa Marawi ay napalitan naman ng kaaya-aya naman… Kahit mumunti siya pero malaking kayamanan na rin sa amin ito kasi malaki napalitan ang mga nasirang tahanan namin,” he said.

 

[We are satisfied because the UN-Habitat gave us livelihood to replace our destroyed livelihood in Marawi. We are happy because our destructed house in Marawi was replaced with one that is nice… Although it is quite small, it is already a wealth to us because it replaced our destroyed house.]

 

Another IDP Palawan Macaayan who now lives in the same community recalled that alongside their urgent leave from their old house at ground zero was the devastation of their properties. 

 

He said they had nothing when they moved out but with the helping hand of the government and non-government organizations such as the UN-Habitat, their struggles were at least eased.

 

“Maraming naiwan namin na kagamitan. Sabi ko, sige nalang. Ang importante makalaya tayo dito… Satisfied na kami [ngayon] dahil may lugar na matutulugan nang mabuti. Satisfied na satisfied kami,” he said.

 

[We left a lot of things. I said, that is just okay. What is important is that we would be free from this… [Now,] we are already satisfied because we already have a place where we can sleep well. We are very satisfied.]

 

Oling Manalo, on the other hand, an IDP residing currently at one of the UN-Habitat’s founded communities called Norsalam Village, conveyed her deepest gratitude to the people of Japan for their generosity, and for giving them the means to start anew and rebuild their lives and dignity. 

 

She stressed that it was not just houses that the UN-Habitat built but the organization likewise aided them to regain our confidence even as they became known as IDPs. 

 

Manalo assured the donors that while they enjoy the bestowed blessings, they will nurture it properly in consideration of the great effort extended to them.

 

“To everyone who contributed to our rebuilding journey, Alhamdullilah, maraming salamat. We are fortunate to have people like you who did not hesitate to help us… In return, Inshaallah, we will take good care of this immeasurable gift and we will continue to maintain what the Rebuilding Marawi Project had started. We will work together in promoting peacebuilding, safeguarding the environment, managing our new communities, finding sufficient income for our families, and supporting one another to heal the scars in our hearts,” she said.

 

With the successful implementation of the housing project of the UN-Habitat, residents who once resided within the six-meter easement along Lake Lanao and Agus River in the city benefited. (CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur)

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UN-Habitat caps 1K Japan-funded permanent houses in Marawi

The Hadiya Village is just one of the six communities founded by the United Nations Human Settlement Program (UN-Habitat). In total, 1,000 permanent houses are completed by the organization as part of its commitment to rehabilitating Marawi City. (PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) has finally concluded the implementation of its Rebuilding Marawi Project for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the city as the remaining 462 units were handed over to rightful recipients Thursday, May 19.

 

Since the inception of its program, the UN-Habitat has already handed over a total of 1,000 permanent housing units with the overall funding of the people of Japan amounting to USD10 million, and with the land acquired and developed by the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC). 

 

Target beneficiaries included affected families who used to live within the six-meter easement along Lake Lanao and Agus River.

 

“This is in line with the UN-Habitat’s global role as the custodian of a sustainable development goal to make cities and communities safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. This includes ensuring that people have access to adequate shelter while reducing the number of people impacted by disasters,” said UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and Pacific Regional Representative Atsushi Koresawa in his relayed message.

 

UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez stressed that while they strive to push the goal of their project, they ascertained that their grantees and other appropriate parties would be involved to ensure that Maranao culture will surely be embraced and reflected in their project. 

 

“The Rebuilding Marawi Project was implemented using a People’s Process where families were actively involved in all stages of the rebuilding process including selecting the location of the resettlement sites, co-designing the site considering how Maranao communities live together and according to Maranao and Islamic culture and traditions, embarking on livelihood ventures following Islamic principles in business and finance, and closely working with national and local government as well as traditional and religious leaders,” he said. 

 

Gonzalez said they pursued this initiative as they recognized that shelter assistance would be at the heart of recovery for people who lost their homes and belongings as a result of wars and conflicts as proven by their prior experiences and encounters.

 

He stated that with the wrapping up of their project, they celebrated as well the importance of shelter to promote immediate and long-term recovery. 

 

Notwithstanding the turnover of the last batch of permanent houses to IDPs, the UN assured that it has and will continue to back the city as it journeys on the road of recovery.

 

“The United Nations stands in solidarity with the people of Marawi in rebuilding their lives. Giving them decent shelter is a critical first step. And, I thank our partners for making it possible for them to take this first step,” said Gonzalez. 

 

Apart from the permanent shelters, the UN-Habitat likewise launched its knowledge products consisting of four-volume books containing the period of the project implementation and the Multi-Purpose Center erected at the heart of the villages built by the organization. 

 

In total, UN-Habitat founded six communities under the rehabilitation. These are Hadiya Village, Darussalam Village, Norsalam Village, Pamayandeg sa Ranao Residences at Dansalan situated separately in Barangays Kilala and Mipantao Gadongan, and a resettlement site owned by city government. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Finishers revel in NHA’s 4K marathon in Marawi

Runners participating in the four-kilometer Marathon for Peace of the National Housing Authority in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission enjoy the event. (Angelo D. Dologmandin/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Resident runners which included internally displaced persons (IDPs), students, and members of the line agencies of the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) magnified their delightedness for having been able to partake in an event organized for them.

 

The National Housing Authority (NHA), an implementing agency of the TFBM, spearheaded Friday, May 20, a four-kilometer Marathon for Peace inside the most affected area (MAA) of the city to officially welcome the finished construction of the road networks in the place. 

 

Alnahar Deca, the first finisher of the marathon, expressed his joy over the initiative wherein he victoriously emerged as the grand winner. 

 

He conveyed how thankful he was, especially that his triumph was for his wife who was scheduled to give birth in June this year.

 

Deca also mentioned that for displaced locals like him, this moment is relevant to at least ease the grief they felt after years of being away from their old home in MAA.

 

“Sorang tuwa at overwhelmed ako. Iba talaga ang pakiramdam na manalo… Maraming maraming salamat sa NHA kasi iyong mga ganitong event ay napakahalaga talaga sa mga tao lalo na sa IDPs. Medyo napapawi ang mga sama ng loob at sakit na naramdaman namin,” he said.

 

[I am very happy and overwhelmed. It is really a different feeling to win… Thank you so much to the NHA because this kind of event is very important to the people, especially the IDPs. Our dissatisfaction and pain were at least eased.]

 

Pahmen Mamalampay, a student who won second place, also conveyed his happiness as he fulfilled his objective of securing a feat. 

 

He stated as well how relishing the marathon was, much more that he was fond of running races. 

 

“Masaya kasi nareach ko ang goal ko na makapasok ako sa top 3. Passion ko na ang pagtakbo kasi runner ako sa MSU [Mindanao State University]… Ayos naman ang pagpapatakbo nitong laro. Naenjoy kami,”said Mamalampay.

 

[I am happy because I reached my goal of being in the top 3. Running is already my passion because I am a runner at the MSU [Mindanao State University]... The organization of this game is really good. We enjoyed it.]

 

Student Saadudin Mohaimen, on the other hand, delivered his gladness after he prevailed as the third finisher. He is grateful that he was able to participate despite not being a displaced person.

 

“Masaya ako. Thankful ako kasi na-open ang opportunity sa akin kahit hindi ako IDP,” he said.

 

[I am happy. I am thankful because the opportunity was opened to me although I am not an IDP.] 

 

In the successful event, at least 300 runners engaged and reveled in the NHA’s cause. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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4K marathon opens newly rehabbed Marawi road networks

Some 300 runners participate in the four-kilometer Marathon for Peace organized by the National Housing Authority and the Philippine Sports Commission to inaugurate the completed rehabilitation of the road networks in the most affected area of Marawi City. (Angelo D. Dologmandin/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--With the completion of the massive rehabilitation of the road networks inside the most affected area (MAA) of the city, the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) alongside the National Housing Authority (NHA) as the implementing agency have finally opened the new primary, secondary and tertiary roads to the public.

 

To formally inaugurate the completed project, the NHA in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) led a four-kilometer Marathon for Peace in the city's ground zero Friday, May 20.

About 300 runners participated which included internally displaced persons (IDPs), students, and members of the TFBM line agencies.

 

Engr. Al-Khwarizmi Indanan, regional director of the NHA-IX and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the head of the Marawi Project Management Office (MPMO), said the road networks are now open for the utilization of the public.

 

“Ang marathon 4K is signaling that the roads are now inaugurated and declared open for the use of the general public. Tapos na talaga siya. As a matter of physical accomplishment it is already completed,” he said. 

 

During the event, runners were seen enjoying the moment prepared especially for them.

 

As the NHA was also behind the successful construction of other infrastructures in MAA such as the Sarimanok Sports Stadium and Convention Center, among others, Indanan assured the public that the Authority will maintain upholding its mandate for the betterment of the war-torn city.

 

“The National Housing Authority in coordination with the Task Force Bangon Marawi ay patuloy na magsisilbi [will continue to serve] and we would like to assure the IDPs that the NHA remains steadfast in its objective na maprovide iyong tamang serbisyo para sa kanila [of providing the right service for them],” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Peace is also absence of disease – DOH

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)—The Department of Health (DOH) underscored that having a healthy populace is also a determinant of peace.

“Peace is not only the absence of conflict, but it is also the absence of disease,” said Usec. Myrna Cabotaje who joined the culmination program for this year's Marawi Week of Peace celebration.

To achieve this, Cabotaje conveyed the DOH’s commitment to continue providing operational and institutional support to Marawi City.

During the first phase of the rehabilitation, DOH has deployed medical teams to provide nutrition, WASH, mental health, and psychological support services to displaced families.

The health department is currently overseeing the construction of the Marawi City General Hospital which according to Cabotaje is now ongoing ground development.

The health official also stated that they will continue to push for the vaccination drive in the city so that Marawi residents can have a better normal. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Marawi rehab to trigger good governance at brgy level

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)—The ongoing rehabilitation of the city is expected to trigger good governance, especially at the barangay level.

Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chief Sec. Eduardo Del Rosario highlighted this as one of the main objectives of government-led rehabilitation.

He previously noted that the city doesn’t have a single barangay hall before the siege. Some barangay chairpersons even converted their own houses into offices to cater to the needs of their constituents.

“We are now constructing 96 barangay halls and 24 of them are barangay complexes with madrasah and health center,” Del Rosario said during the May 21 Marawi Week of Peace Culmination Program.

The TFBM chief also emphasized that with the barangay complexes, Marawi residents are assured of quality service from barangay officials.

“This will ensure that our local barangay officials will have that decency of holding office and ensure that they will do their job because if they are not in this government hall then they are not doing their jobs,” he further said.

To date, 13 new village facilities inside the city’s most affected area have been completed and inaugurated. These are the barangay complexes of Tolali, Datu Naga, Datu sa Dansalan, Dansalan, West Marinaut, East Marinaut, Wawalayan Marinaut, Moncado Kadingilan, Banggolo, Lumbaca Madaya, Raya Madaya 1, Lilod Madaya, and Kapantaran.

Del Rosario also reiterated that the rehabilitation will likewise serve as a catalyst for growth and sustainable development,

“If we would look towards the lake [Lanao], we could see the sports complex, the convention center, the peace memorial, and the grand padian market. And far to the right of the grand padian market will rise our port facilities. It would mean that all these projects will trigger economic development and highlight the tourism industry in Marawi City,” the TFBM chief stated.

These, he said, will have a tremendous effect on transforming Marawi into one of the most competitive cities in the country.

Meanwhile, Del Rosario appealed to Marawi residents to protect the gains of the rehabilitation and ensure that nothing will ever happen again to the city.

“We have all the investments and what we need now is your unity and resolve not to allow the terrorists to establish roots again in Marawi City,” said Del Rosario pointing out that attaining a peaceful environment is the most important objective of the rehabilitation. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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TFBM chief cites gains of Marawi rehab

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)—The government, through the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) has made great strides in its rehabilitation efforts to ensure that Marawi will rise again from the devastation it experienced five years ago.

TFBM chief Sec. Eduardo Del Rosario announced the gains of the recovery efforts during the Marawi Week of Peace Culmination Program on May 21 stressing that about 72 percent (%) of the rehabilitation projects have been completed.

These projects include key public infrastructure facilities in the most affected area of the city.

Del Rosario said an additional 17% are ongoing and will be completed by the third quarter of this year. 

“We have completed 164 projects worth P17 billion. Thirty-five (35) projects worth P3.92 billion are ongoing and will be completed by the third quarter of this year, and that includes the Sports Complex, the Convention Center, and the Grand Padian which will be completed by August or September,” he said.

The remaining 11% are still undergoing procurement and will be finished by the first quarter of 2023. These consist of 32 projects worth P2.4 billion which are in different stages of procurement. 

“Different stages of procurement because our budget that is being given by the national government is by tranches. In fact, for this year, we are given P1 billion and not a single project has started yet because of the local and national elections,” he further said.

It can be recalled that the construction of public facilities went on full blast only in July 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this and the daily heavy downpours, TFBM and its implementing agencies including the city government held their ground to keep the recovery efforts on track. 

Before the full blast construction, the rehabilitation underwent initial phases - the first phase was undertaken from November 2017 to October 2018 consisting of emergency assistance and provision of water, food, clothing, and other basic necessities to displaced families in different evacuation centers. 

The construction of temporary shelters as well as the provision of financial and livelihood support, health services, hygiene and sanitation, and biometric profiling of legitimate Marawi residents also took place in the first phase.

The second phase, on the other hand, was when the government removed millions of tons of debris, and recovered and detonated thousands of improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnances. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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PCOO, TFBM hold Marawi reporting event anew

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)-The Presidential Communication Operations Office, through the Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs, in partnership with the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), Philippine Information Agency, and Radio Television Malacañang brought anew members of the media here for a two-day media reporting event.

The reporting event aims to provide members of the media with accurate information and narratives about the rehabilitation by allowing them to see firsthand the on-the-ground situation.

On the first day of the reporting event, they witnessed the turnover of 462 permanent shelters to identified beneficiaries. This comprised the last batch of the 1,000 houses under UN-Habitat's Rebuilding Marawi Project. The construction of houses was funded with the USD10-million support from the Government of Japan while the lands were procured and developed by Social Housing Finance Corporation and National Housing Authority (NHA).

PCOO also brought the media to the inauguration of the Marawi Museum and School of Living Traditions inside the most-affected area of the city. Both facilities are eyed to boost cultural heritage preservation and local tourism. 

"This could be transformed into an economic opportunity that could generate jobs that would help the ball of the local economy rolling," said Mayor Majul Gandamra.

On the second day of the reporting event, the TFBM alongside officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the local government, and Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa held a wreath-laying ceremony to remember the sacrifices of state forces to reclaim the city five years ago.

The media also witnessed the mini sports fest conducted by the NHA in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission to launch the Sarimanok Sports Stadium.

The reporting event ended with a press briefing following the culmination program of the Marawi Week of Peace celebration. The press briefing was participated by TFBM chief Sec. Eduardo Del Rosario, Usec. Cesar Yano of the Department of National Defense, Civil Defense Administrator at NDDRMC Executive Director Usec. Ricardo Jalad, and NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr.

"We are able to complete 72%. 17% are ongoing and will be completed by the third quarter and 11% is still undergoing procurement and will be completed by the first quarter of 2023," said Del Rosario.

The first media reporting event in Marawi was held in 2019 to commemorate the second Marawi City Week of Peace (MWOP). Other reporting events were held in October of the same year to commemorate the second anniversary of the city’s liberation from terrorists and in May of 2021 for the fourth MWOP. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur) 

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Special polls in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur generally peaceful

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The special elections for 12 barangays in the municipality of Tubaran, this province, have been generally peaceful, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday, May 24.

Unlike the May 9 elections where teachers served as electoral board members, trained police personnel manned the polling precincts acting as the special board of election inspectors during the one-day special elections while other policemen and soldiers guarded the voting centers.

"So far normal, generally peaceful tapos walang insidenteng nangyari kasi mayroon tayong sinusunod na procedures [no incident happened because we have procedures in place]," said OIC Police Provincial Director PCol. Jibin Bongcayao.

He said voters were first checked at the entrance gate and only a few were allowed to enter the voting center at a given time. They were then grouped by ten in the polling precincts to avoid chaos.

Voters were also required to present their voter’s ID or voter’s certificate before they can enter their respective polling precincts. This, according to Bongcayao, is one of the measures implemented to prevent flying voters.

Moreover, the PNP utilized a body-worn camera system to ensure transparency, provide additional evidence against saboteurs, and for live monitoring by higher-ups.

"So far, sa tatlong voting centers na nandito sa Tubaran, yung sa Buribid, Tangcal and Tubaran proper, wala kaming namonitor na mga incidents na nangyari. So far, normal siya [in the three voting centers here in Tubaran,  in Buribid, Tangcal and Tubaran proper, we have not monitored any incidents occurred. So far, it's normal]," he further said.

Aside from the strict procedures, the police director also attributed the peaceful conduct of the special elections to the cooperation of the town's voters.

Both the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines tightened the security measures to ensure the peaceful, orderly and successful conduct of the special elections in Barangays Tangcal, Datumanong, Guiarong, Baguiangun, Wago, Malaganding, Gadongan, Riantaran, Pagalamatan, Mindamunag, Paigoday-Pimbataan and Metadicop where elections last May 9 was halted due to spate of violence.

Bongcayao said more or less 600 policemen and 400 soldiers were deployed to secure the special elections of which 45 police were to serve as special BEIs.

The 12 barangays have nearly 7,000 residents eligible to cast their ballots. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Marawi Museum to boost culture, tourism promotion - Gandamra

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--City Mayor Majul Gandamra underscored the relevance of constructing a museum in the war-torn city of Marawi stating that it will not only boost cultural preservation but also push the city's economic development.

"While some of our detractors say that building a museum is not necessary for rehabilitating a city destroyed by the infamous siege, we have to understand that having a museum is like building a facility that would preserve not only the artifacts of the great culture of our ancestors but it is also a haven for the memories of our history in order for us to pass it on to the next generation of Muslim Meranaws," he said during the inauguration ceremony of the facility.

From an economic lens, Gandamra said the building of the facility will help boost the city's tourism sector which could contribute to the local economy. "This could be transformed into an economic opportunity that could generate jobs that would help the ball of the local economy rolling," he further said.

The City Tourism Office (CTO) thanked the city government and its partners for including the facility in the master development plan for Marawi underlining its contribution to the promotion and preservation of the distinct Meranaw culture

"The construction of the Marawi Museum right at the heart of Marawi City is indeed a testament that the Marawi local government unit acknowledges that museums are important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of culture, and development of mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among people," said Princess Tarhata Pacasum-Mangotara, CTO focal person.

Meanwhile, Gandamra shared that the CTO is currently communicating with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for future collaboration. According to him, the NCCA has expressed its support not only for the collection of artifacts that would be displayed in the museum but also for future funding and technical assistance. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)

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Marawi rehab puts premium on culture preservation

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The ongoing government's rehabilitation efforts for the war-torn Islamic City puts a premium on the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage with the construction of the Marawi Museum and School of Living Traditions.

Located at the heart of ground zero, these facilities were inaugurated by the Task Force Bangon Marawi and the City Government of Marawi in a simple ceremony held on May 19, 2022 as part of this year's Marawi Week of Peace celebration

City Mayor Majul Gandamra said they stood their ground to include the construction of these cultural facilities in the master development plan for the city's rehabilitation emphasizing the relevance of the facilities in preserving the culture of the Meranaws

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, TFBM chairperson Sec. Eduardo Del Rosario congratulated the mayor and all the people of Marawi City for supporting the construction of these important edifices. "This museum will ensure the continuity and preservation of the colorful history of the Meranaw people," he said

Agakhan Museum Director Linang Cabugatan who attended the inauguration underscored the important role of museums in peacebuilding efforts

According to her, museums help educate the people about the different cultures and knowing these cultures can create understanding and respect among the people.

"The museum is not only about exhibiting artifacts but we are also informing the public [about our culture] to create understanding, respect, and peace," she further said.

The construction of the two facilities was funded under the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund with the city government as the implementing agency. (APB/PIA-10/ Lanao del Sur)

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