GENERAL SANTOS CITY–The city government has released some P2 million for the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in war-torn areas in Marawi City.
City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said Friday the city’s donation was channelled to the local government of Marawi and government agencies leading the rehabilitation initiatives and other support programs for the area.
Rivera said the assistance will be utilized to support affected residents and “help Marawi stand again” from the destruction wrought by the five-month siege last year of the Islamic State-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf terror groups.
The mayor said the “humble donation” was also made “in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadhan.”
“This gift is a sign of good faith, solidarity, and oneness with our fellow Filipinos in the glorious Islamic City of Marawi,” Rivera said.
Addressing Marawi residents, Rivera said the city “cried and wept with you in your sorrow, and rejoiced with you as we came out triumphant despite all odds. As you rebuild your wonderful city, rest assured that the people of General Santos City continue to stand by you and will walk with you every step of the way.”
At the height of the conflict last year, the city government, through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, released some P5 million to augment the relief operations for displaced residents.
The local government also assisted nearly 4,000 evacuees from Marawi and the neighboring areas who resettled temporarily in the city. (PNA)
