MARAWI CITY, Oct. 16 (PIA) - There is no stopping Marawi from rising as a peaceful and progressive Islamic City as Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairman and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario leads a two-day tour around the city to mark the third anniversary of its liberation from terrorists.

Secretary Del Rosario is slated to spearhead the commemoration of Marawi's liberation through a wreath-laying event to honor soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the city's freedom. The TFBM head will likewise lead groundbreaking ceremonies for a number of key projects as well as conduct inspections both inside and outside the Most Affected Area.

On October 17, 2017, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared Marawi liberated from the Daesh-inspired Maute group after more than five months of battle with government forces that had displaced thousands of Maranaos and destroyed key establishments in the city.

Secretary Del Rosario has repeatedly insisted that the TFBM, along with its 56 member-agencies, are well within their respective timelines with regard to the completion of projects aimed at restoring Marawi back to its former glory by December of 2021.

Construction of key infrastructure projects inside Marawi's Most Affected Area went on full-blast in July this year following the easing down of the quarantine period brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The PHP3.56-billion allotment needed for Marawi projects was released following President Duterte's approval earlier this year.

The province of Lanao del Sur was recently reverted back to the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine due to rising COVID-19 cases, but the TFBM chief assured that heightened restrictions did not affect the projects' implementation process and that there will be no delays with regard to the completion of projects.

Reconstruction works for mosques destroyed during the siege had also commenced following the release of funds derived from private developers' donations needed for the projects. It marks the first time that the Task Force will utilize donated funds from private developers intended for socialized housing development and rehabilitation of areas hit by calamities.

Secretary Del Rosario had likewise noted that economic activities in the Least Affected Area are gradually returning back to normal, a claim which is also backed by no less than the Mayor of Marawi himself, Majul Gandamra.

Mayor Gandamra, along with most LGU officials, had been stating their support for Secretary Del Rosario, commending the TFBM chief's effective leadership and dedication in carrying out his responsibilities to help the country's only Islamic city rise anew as promised by President Duterte.

Aside from permanent shelters for internally displaced persons, road networks and public facilities such as the Grand Padian Market and 24 barangay halls each having their own health clinics and madrasahs are now nearing completion.

Secretary Del Rosario, meanwhile, called on citizens to remain united and continue supporting the government in its efforts to fully rehabilitating Marawi while at the same time protecting peace and harmony in the city. (DHSUD)