Gov’t rushes Marawi rehab

The government is taking some shortcuts to hasten the implementation of the relief and rehabilitation projects in war-ravaged Marawi City.

President Duterte has signed Executive Order No. 49 exempting the National Housing Authority (NHA) from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) guidelines on joint venture agreements to expedite the Marawi rebuilding efforts.

“In order to simplify documentary requirements and procedures and thereby expedite the commencement of rehabilitation projects, there is an urgent need to exempt the NHA from the coverage of the NEDA Guidelines on JVAs,” the order read.

All joint venture agreements related to Marawi rehabilitation instead must comply with the guidelines that will be formulated by the NHA under the supervision of HUDC, the PublicPrivate Partnership Center, and the Department of Budget and Management.

The new guidelines will apply only to recovery, reconstruction projects for most affected areas of Marawi; promote efficiency, transparency, competitiveness and accountability covered transactions; require the participation of agencies in JVA selection and contracting process; and remain consistent with laws and other rules.

Task Force Bangon Marawi headed by Housing and Urban Development Council (HUDCC) earlier has been designated to develop and implement a unified and comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery plan for Marawi City.

HUDCC exercises supervision over the NHA, tasked to develop and undertake housing development and resettlement projects through joint ventures or other arrangements with public and private entities.

The NHA can provide the Task Force with assistance and technical know-how in the rehabilitation efforts, the EO read.

The order, signed last February 5, takes effect immediately after publication in a newspaper.