President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation (OPAMR) to expedite key projects in the ongoing rehabilitation of Marawi City.
During a sectoral meeting at Malacañang Palace, the President emphasized the urgency of addressing these essential services to speed up the city’s recovery.
OPAMR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. briefed the President on the status of rehabilitation efforts, particularly the delay in the Bulk Water Supply Project, which is being implemented by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).
According to Pangandaman, the delay stems from legal challenges. However, he assured stakeholders that the project would be completed within four months before the end of 2024.
“You seem to have solutions to most of the issues. The installation of power, and I think, more importantly, the water supply, we have to get that done as quickly as possible,” Mr. Marcos said.
“We can manage with brownouts, but without water, we really can’t do anything,” he added.
The President called for immediate action on shelter concerns for residents affected by the 2017 Marawi siege. He also instructed Pangandaman to negotiate an extension with landowners while constructing permanent shelters.
