MORE barangays inside Marawi’s most affected area (MAA) now have an entire power supply or electricity, indicating sustained progress of the massive government-led rehabilitation.

On Wednesday, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairman Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario spearheaded the ceremonial lighting of the five barangays inside MAA, formerly known as “ground zero,” organized by the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Lasureco).

Witnessing the momentous event were TFBM Field Office Manager Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr., Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, and Lasureco officials.

“The electrification of the additional barangays right in the center of MAA signifies the success of the government-led rehabilitation,” said Secretary Del Rosario, who also heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

“This is also solid proof of the government’s commitment [to] providing assistance to those adversely impacted by the 2017 siege, especially our Maranao brothers and sisters, and help them rebuild their lives,” the housing czar added.

The five barangays that were powered up were Moncado Kadingilan, Norhaya Village, Sangcay Dansalan, Moncado Colony, and Datu Naga – comprising Sector 9 of the MAA.

With this development, those returning to reconstruct their houses damaged during the siege can now apply for electricity connection with Lasureco, the TFBM chief said.

On the same day, Secretary Del Rosario toured members of the Pag-IBIG Board of Trustees and top executives inside MAA to show them the progress of the ongoing rehabilitation.

The Pag-IBIG delegates, headed by Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy Moti, visited the iconic Grand Mosque, Rizal Park overlooking the Peace Memorial, Sarimanok Sports Stadium, and Marawi Convention Center. Joining them on tour was Mayor Gandamra.

The TFBM chief likewise met with representatives from the Lanao del Sur-based CSO Convergence, composed of various non-government organizations (NGOs), to exchange notes on the latest developments and updates on the ongoing projects under the rehabilitation program.

A recognition ceremony was also held acknowledging the role played by the CSO as a third-party monitoring group.

Secretary Del Rosario is on his latest visit to the country’s only Islamic city to check on the latest updates and developments regarding the city’s rehabilitation.

His visit coincides with the Marawi Week of Peace, which is being observed for the fifth-straight year to commemorate the heroism and unity displayed by citizens during the five-month battle between government forces and Daesh-inspired terrorists in 2017.

Several activities such as the inauguration of major public infrastructures and turnover of permanent shelters to intended beneficiaries have been lined up to mark the Week of Peace. By Jun I. Legaspi