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| The city government of Marawi hosted the commemoration of the 7th anniversary of the Marawi siege, May 23. In his address, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra stressed the importance of the commemoration to draw lessons from the past. He noted that understanding the circumstances leading to the attack allows for better planning to prevent similar tragedies in the future. (Photo courtesy of City Government of Marawi) |
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- City Mayor Majul Gandamra emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from the past to strengthen community resilience and security.
In a ceremony to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the Marawi siege, Gandamra underscored the painful memories associated with it while emphasizing the necessity of remembering the event as a means of learning and growth.
"While the memories of the siege are painful, commemorating this event is very crucial for it allows us to draw invaluable lessons from the past. The siege exposed vulnerabilities and mistakes that we must acknowledge and address," he said.
The mayor highlighted a concerning aspect of complacency that preceded the attack. He stated that although some residents noticed the presence of terrorists in the city before the attack, it did not cause any alarm.
"The security of our community should not be left solely to the government forces. It is a shared responsibility. Residents must be vigilant, and barangay governments should take the lead in protecting their areas," he remarked.
Gandamra also stressed the importance of proactive measures in preventing similar tragedies in the future, reiterating the role of community engagement and cooperation in safeguarding the city.
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| The city government of Marawi hosted the commemoration of the 7th anniversary of the Marawi siege, May 23. |
Taking charge of the rebuilding efforts
Gandamra said the seventh anniversary of the Marawi siege marked a significant shift in the city's trajectory towards self-reliance and community-led development.
For the past six years, the Task Force Bangon Marawi of the National Government has been the lead organizer of the commemoration efforts, playing a crucial role in the initial stages of recovery and rebuilding.
"Their efforts have been instrumental in the initial stages of our recovery and rebuilding. While the Task Force Bangon Marawi and the different line agencies of the government remain available to assist us if needed, we are stepping into a new phase of self-reliance and community-led development," the mayor affirmed.
Gandamra further emphasized that the transition signifies the people of Marawi's growing strength and commitment to reclaiming and rebuilding the city.
"Healing is a continuous process and while we acknowledge the pain of the past, we must also dwell on what we can do to boost onward and improve," he added.
The commemoration was highlighted by a MUG-Serbisyo Caravan, extending a range of vital government services to its residents, including medical check-ups, vaccination drives, health education, dental services, RBS testing, distribution of essential medicines, and civil registration, among others. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
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