Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), led by Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, has reaped praises from President Rodrigo Duterte for its “unwavering commitment to bring back the glory of the only Islamic City in the country.”
The President, who personally led the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, lauded the task force and its partners for a job well done in ensuring the success of Marawi’s rebuilding process.
“It is my pleasure to join you today as we mark this historic occasion by allowing the rays of hope to light up the darkness that once enveloped the city of Marawi. I congratulate and commend TFBM as well the local officials and other partners, for working together to rehabilitate the city,” Duterte told DHSUD.
“I especially commend the efforts and sacrifices you have put up on the complete rehabilitation of the Grand Mosque of Marawi. This place holds historical and cultural significance in the lives of the Maranaos, who will rejoice as a nation as the Grand Mosque of Marawi brings hope to our Muslim brothers and sisters,” he added.
However, the camp of Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday criticized the government’s “snail-paced rehabilitation” of Marawi.
Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s spokesperson, said the rehabilitation program that began in 2017 has yet to be completed, barely less than a year before Duterte steps down from his post.
“Four years is not that short. This has been since 2017. Remember, this (crisis) happened almost a year since the start of the (Duterte) administration. Now, his term is about to end. It’s already the election. Up to now, the problem has not yet been addressed,” he said.
Gutierrez blamed President Rodrigo Duterte’s slow leadership that could have affected the sluggish rehabilitation of Marawi.
“I don’t know the whole story why it took that long. Why up to now, those in need have not yet received the much-needed help?” he asked.
“We need a leader who could act faster to resolve such problems,” Gutierrez said.
But Task Force Bangon Marami cited its overall rehabilitation works at 70 percent.
Del Rosario said the President’s visit to Marawi is a very significant one, as he was able to witness first-hand what the TFBM had achieved in terms of rehabilitating the city.
Several activities in line with the commemoration of the fourth anniversary of Marawi’s liberation were the groundbreaking ceremony of the Department of Information and Communications Technology Telecommunication Building in Barangay Datu Naga, and the signing of a pact meant for the reconstruction of the Bubong Madaya Mosque.
Del Rosario spearheaded the turnover of 250 permanent housing units in Pamayandeg sa Ranao Residences at Dansalan, Barangay Kilala and Mipantao Gandongan in coordination with the National Housing Authority, United Nations-Habitat, and the government of Japan.
Terrorists attacked Marawi City from May 23, 2017 until Oct. 17, 2017, and destroyed the city’s infrastructure.
