PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday commended the members of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) led by Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario for their unwavering commitment to bring back the glory of the only Islamic city in the country.

President Duterte , who personally led the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Marawi, lauded the Task Force and its partners for a job well done in ensuring the success of Marawi’s rebuilding process.

“It is my pleasure to join you as we mark this historic occasion by allowing the rays of hope to light up the darkness that once enveloped the city of Marawi. I congratulate and commend the Task Force Bangon Marawi, as well the local officials and other partners, for working together to rehabilitate the city,” the President said.

“I especially commend the efforts and sacrifices you have put up on the complete rehabilitation of the Grand Mosque of Marawi. This place holds historical and cultural significance in the lives of the Maranaos, who will rejoice as a nation as the Grand Mosque of Marawi brings hope to our Muslim brothers and sisters,” he added.

According to the President, the TFBM and its implementing agencies have been steadfast in rebuilding the lives of displaced families, as well as in restoring damaged properties and revitalizing disrupted socio-economic activities.

“You have stayed true to your commitment as agents of progress and catalyst for change,” he stressed, vowing that all ongoing projects meant to ensure the city’s return to progress will be completed the soonest possible time.

“Let me take this opportunity to reassure the people of Marawi that the government is doing its best to expedite the completion of rehabilitation projects at the soonest possible time. We in government are strongly committed to bring back the city’s glory and we will continue to foster cooperation among concerned stakeholders so that Marawi will be able to build back better and stronger,” the President noted.

Earlier, President Duterte joined Secretary Del Rosario in inaugurating the newly reconstructed Grand Mosque along with senior government and Cabinet officials.

According to Secretary Del Rosario, the President’s visit to Marawi is a very significant one as he was able to witness first-hand what the TFBM had achieved in terms of rehabilitating the city.

Also part of the activities in the commemoration of the fourth anniversary of Marawi’s liberation were the groundbreaking ceremony of the Department of Information and Communications Technology Telecommunication Building in Barangay Datu Naga and the signing of a pact meant for the reconstruction of the Bubong Madaya Mosque.

The TFBM chief likewise spearheaded the turnover of 250 permanent housing units in Pamayandeg sa Ranao Residences at Dansalan located in Brgy. Kilala and Mipantao Gandongan in coordination with the National Housing Authority, UN-Habitat and the government of Japan.

A new school building was also rolled out and a ceremonial handover of school furniture was held thereafter. An inspection of permanent shelters in Barangay Patani was likewise carried out as part of this weekend’s activities.

A wreath-laying ceremony, meanwhile, was held at Kampo Ranao in honor of soldiers, as well as civilians, who sacrificed their lives in warding off terrorists during the five-month siege from May 23, 2017 to October 17, 2017.