Gov’t asked to fast-track Marawi rehab

DAVAO CITY--The Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch (MRCW) is urging the government to hasten the rehabilitation of the war-torn Marawi City.

MRCW’s partner, International Alert Philippines through its Senior Communications Officer Diana Jean Moraleda, in a statement, said it is frustrating on the part of residents that more than a year after its liberation, the city remains beneath the rubble of destruction.

“A number of issues confront us today, but nothing could be more urgent and important than the issue of Marawi rehabilitation and reconstruction,” she said.

Moraleda said their group welcomed the groundbreaking ceremony headed by Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario of the Task Force Bangon Marawi at the most-affected area of the city last month.

“The groundbreaking reignites a spark of hope in our hearts that our wish to go home to our beloved city may soon become a reality,” she said.

“This is important to our healing and to stem grievances being felt by our people regarding the unfair delays in the reconstruction process,” she said.

Moraleda said the rehabilitation of Boracay is almost complete and the tourist haven is now open for business, while Marawi’s rehabilitation is way behind.

“While there are unique complexities to be considered in the rehabilitation of Marawi, we call on the Philippine government to put in the same amount of concern, urgency, and vigor in seeing the Marawi rehabilitation through, she said.

She said the groups also urged President Duterte and the House of Representative to expedite the passing of the Marawi Compensation Law.