The government is optimistic that war-torn Marawi City will be restored to its “former glory and bustle” when the rehabilitation of Ground Zero is completed by December 2021.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said at least P16.8 billion would be allocated for the rebuilding of the most affected areas in Marawi, which has been liberated after a five-month siege by lawless militants in May 2017.
“We at the Inter-Agency Task Force Bangon Marawi are confident that we will finish the rehabilitation of ground zero by December 2021. The rehabilitation will span a 250-hectare area, with the government committing to spend P16.8 billion on the entire effort,” he said.
“Completion of the rehabilitation would mean Marawi will be restored and rehabilitated to its former glory and bustle. Lives will be restored and our schoolchildren will be able to continue their studies in peace,” he added.
Nograles noted that clearing operations in Ground Zero are expected to be finished by November. The procurement of construction materials for new houses and other buildings are also in full swing.
The Marawi rebuilding plan includes construction of ports for Lanao Lake, schools, and widened road networks with underground provisions for electricity, water, and telecommunications. It also covers the repair of sewage treatment plants as well as construction of a convention center, museum, parking buildings, peace memorial park, market, sanitary landfill, and lakeside promenade.
Nograles made the latest comment after his office initiated an outreach program benefitting the young students in Marawi last Wednesday.
The program, made in partnership with the MovEd Foundation, Kaayo Modern Mindanao, and the Philippine Muslim Women Council, involved the distribution of 500 school kits for children from the Harat Medina Elementary School at Bliss Lilod a Madaya. The project aims to provide assistance to school children and ease the burden of parents in obtaining school supplies.
“These activities inspire our children to strive more in their studies and mold their positive outlook on the value and importance of getting an education. We are both humbled and proud to be able to have a positive impact on the lives of our schoolchildren,” Nograles said.
Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chairman Eduardo del Rosario had earlier said the government is on track to complete the rehabilitation program of Marawi, also known as “The Rise Plan,” by the end of 2021. Del Rosario is the head of Task Force Bangon Marawi.
The government earlier pegged the total rehabilitation cost of war-torn Marawi at P67.9 billion, including P17 billion for the most affected areas covering 24 barangays. (Genalyn Kabiling)
