Palace welcomes P730-M grant from US for Marawi rehab

MALACAÑANG welcomed Wednesday the move of United States (US), a long-time ally of the Philippines, to allocate P730 million for ongoing relief operations and eventual rehabilitation of strife-torn Marawi City.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the US’s assistance would be beneficial for the long-term rehabilitation of Marawi, following the “extensive” damage brought about by Islamic State (IS)inspired Maute rebels in the beleaguered city.

“We welcome the assistance of the United States to finance emergency relief and recovery efforts for the areas affected by the Marawi rebellion,” Abella said in a statement.

“The devastation wrought by the Mautes, inspired by the perverse Daesh doctrine, is extensive,” he added.

On May 23, Maute extremists wreaked havoc in Marawi City in an attempt to establish an Islamic territory for IS’ fighters in Southeast Asia.

President Rodrigo Duterte enforced military rule in the entire Mindanao the same day Islamist terrorists laid siege to Marawi City, with a goal to prevent hostile acts to spread outside the wartorn city.

On Tuesday, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim announced that P153 million of P730 million grant will be used for humanitarian assistance while the remaining P577 million will be allotted for the early recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi.

Kim also announced that the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Manila will provide P22 million for educational and informational programs for students and women leaders “to explore innovative ways to address the challenges facing Marawi residents.”

Abella admitted that bringing back normalcy to Marawi City could not be done “overnight.”

He, however, remained optimistic that the insurgency laid by Maute rebels would eventually be put to an end.

“We look forward to the end of the rebellion and eventually, the chance to bravely face the challenges and opportunities of reconstruction together with our friends and allies here and abroad,” he added. SunStar Philippines