By: Genalyn D. Kabiling
A rehabilitation czar is expected to lead the government’s massive rebuilding efforts in conflict-torn Marawi City.
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director Ricardo Jalad said an executive order implementing a R10-billion “Bangon Marawi” program and designating a rehabilitation czar is expected to be issued soon.
“I think the EO is to be released soon, in designating whoever will be the lead or the designated rehabilitation czar,” Jalad said in a Malacanang news briefing.
“Our default system is the NDRRMC and it is NEDA who is the lead agency when it comes to rehabilitation and recovery but if the President desires to fast track everything, he may designate somebody as the overall in charge for rehabilitation recovery,” he added.
President Duterte has ordered Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. to prepare the Marawi rehabilitation plan, saying the shelter assistance for the poor residents must be prioritized.
Jalad said the proposed R10-billion allotment for the rehabilitation of Marawi was just a “tentative figure” for now.
He said the NDRRMC would still deploy rapid damage and needs assessment teams to Marawi once the city is cleared of the rebels.
“The exact figure will be determined once we conduct the study, the assessment, and then formulate the rehab plan,” he said.