COTABATO CITY–The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is set to extend various forms of assistance to about 2,190 internally displaced persons (IDPs) during the commemoration marking the first year of the Marawi siege on Wednesday (May 23).
Thousands of IDPs still remain in at least 18 evacuation centers in Marawi and in the neighboring town of Saguiaran.
ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the regional government will continue in its effort to rebuild the foundations of local leadership and re-establish safe spaces for the most vulnerable groups in the communities.
“Marawi will rise again, and it will rise with the renewed strength and courage of our people,” Hataman said in a statement released Tuesday.
Meanwhile, ARMM Chief of Staff Norkhalila Mambuay-Campong, said that regional line agencies have each adopted an evacuation center for residents to hold their own community iftar (meal to break the fast).
Campong said there will be free medical checkups, Oplan Balik Eskwela, and launching of the book that compiles Marawi City stories on May 23.
“This is part of the constant efforts of the regional government to accommodate the needs of the people of Marawi,” she said.
Exactly a year after fighting and destruction started, she said the government continues to assist Marawi residents rebuild and return to their homes.
The ARMM government has earmarked PHP150-million for the city’s rehabilitation program. Over the past several months, Campong said the regional government has also provided a series of medical and psycho-social services, relief distribution, livelihood training and assistance, peace advocacy, dialogue, and consultation to Marawi constituents.
“The region’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority has offered skills training, the Social Welfare and Development department is implementing its sustainable livelihood program, and the Cooperative Development Authority is supporting the local cooperatives, among others,” Campong said.
She said the ARMM government also granted assistance to IDPs who are most affected by the siege by inviting them to the Ramadan fair in this city.
“They (evacuees) are currently staying in Cotabato City for a month to take part in this year’s Ramadan Fair with PHP45,000 financial support for each qualified beneficiary,” she said.
Hataman said “there is so much more to be done. In our long struggle for peace, our people have survived numerous conflicts, and this most recent war finds its place among the worst in our history.”
“As we have done in response to every threat our people have faced, we must stand united with our brothers and sisters. The price of peace, as we have learned throughout our history, is constant vigilance. We cannot afford to let this happen again, and this requires collective effort towards securing our homes, our cities, and our region,” he added. (PNA)
