AS a testament to the government’s commitment to rehabilitating Marawi City, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) led a groundbreaking ceremony for new community facilities to help rebuild the lives of those adversely affected by the 2017 siege in this city.

TFBM, with the National Housing Authority (NHA), spearheaded the ceremony for several community facilities intended for beneficiaries of the Pamayandeg sa Ranaw Residences at Dansalan permanent shelter project located in Barangay Gadongan.

DHSUD Assistant Secretary for TFBM Melissa Aradanas, representing TFBM Chairperson and DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, graced the event for the said project intended to build 18 structures worth P200 million that includes a multi-purpose covered court, daycare center, wet and dry market, transport terminal, health center, material recovery facility, livelihood building, and police outpost.

TFBM Field Office Project Manager Felix Castro Jr., TFBM National Secretariat Deputy Head Director Raymond Cajayon, NHA Regional Manager Al-Khwarizmi Indanan, as well as representatives from the Marawi LGU, likewise attended the event.

Aradanas said the soon-to-rise facilities are part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to restoring Marawi City’s economic prowess and its people.

“Katuwang natin ang NHA sa proyektong ito na bahagi ng mandato ng pamahalaan na muling itaguyod at mapanumbalik ang dating sigla ng ekonomiya ng Marawi, maging ang pagbabalik sa normal na buhay ng mga residente nito,” the DHSUD official said.

Acuzar has directed the TFBM to ensure and fast-track the completion of all remaining projects by the implementing agencies the soonest.

Aradanas noted that much progress had transpired in the country’s only Islamic City, attributing the positive development to the unwavering commitment by the TFBM, its implementing agencies, and, equally important, the support of the Marawi LGU (local government unit) and its constituents.

“Makakaasa kayo na patuloy na susuportahan ng pamahalaan, sa pamamagitan ng DHSUD at TFBM, sampu ng mga ahensiyang bumubuo nito, ang patuloy na pagbangon ng Marawi,” Aradanas said.

Indanan, meanwhile, disclosed that the construction for the abovementioned facilities will simultaneously commence soon and that the agency will do its best to complete the projects before yearend.

The TFBM has been religiously monitoring several remaining projects meant to hasten the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi City. Among its priorities following the change in administration is the provision of ample and potable water supply and electrification of the “Most Affected Area.”

During a recent Senate Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation and Victims’ Compensation public hearing led by Committee Chairperson Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, lawmakers called for the prioritization of such projects spearheaded by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative.

Representatives of TFBM implementing agencies, including the NHA, Department of Education (DepEd), and Philippine Army, also vowed to continue fast-tracking the completion of their respective projects toward achieving the full rehabilitation of the Islamic City.