P3.9-B ODA committed for Marawi rehab

Development partners have pledged to provide around P3.9 billion in official development assistance (ODA) for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said yesterday.

NEDA Undersecretary for regional planning Adoracion Navarro said the government would set a pledging session for ODA to be used in the investment requirements under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (BMCRRP).

The Philippines received commitments of assistance from the governments of Japan, China and Australia.

Japan pledged to give two billion yen or around P970 million as well as machinery and equipment worth P763 million.

China pledged 150 million yuan or P1.23 billion.

Australia committed to provide AUS$24 million or around P944 million in recovery assistance.

Navarro said discussions are ongoing for the realignment of ODA for Marawi from the Asian Development Bank.

The government and the World Bank are discussing technical support of a still undetermined amount.

These commitments make up only a small fraction of the total investment requirement under the BMCRRP, which as of May 15 was placed at P53.417 billion.

The amount covers short and long-term projects in Marawi.

The BMCRRP covers priority programs, projects and activities located outside ground zero.

Rehabilitation in heavily devastated areas will be undertaken by Filipino and Chinese companies under the Bangon Marawi Consortium at an estimated cost of around P17 billion.

Groundbreaking for the rehabilitation of ground zero is set within this year.