Marcos orders measures to speed up Marawi recovery

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has ordered the streamlining and strengthening of functions of various government agencies to fast track the reconstruction of Marawi City and other areas affected by the 2017 armed conflict between government forces and the ISIS-inspired Maute group.

Under Administrative Order (AO) 14, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Dec. 22, the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) will cease operations today and will be functus officio – or of no further official authority or legal effect – by March 31, 2024.

The TFBM’s unused funds will be turned over to the Office of the President, the AO said.

“To ensure institutional stability, it is imperative to institutionalize and strengthen the functions of implementing government agencies involved in the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the City of Marawi and other affected localities,” Marcos said in
 issuing the order.

Marcos particularly ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government to maintain peace and order in Marawi City and other affected localities, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to facilitate and oversee completion of housing projects for the affected residents.

The Department of Public Works and Highways was also ordered to coordinate the complete restoration of public utilities such as water and electricity and the repair and reconstruction of public buildings and infrastructure.

Marcos, meanwhile, directed the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure health, sanitation, food and other basic needs of residents; and the Department of Trade and Industry to provide an environment conducive to the revival of business and livelihood activities.

The TFBM was created pursuant to AO 3 in 2017 as amended by AO 9 to oversee the progress and completion of several programs and activities under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program.

However, while the TFBM performs supervisory roles such as coordination and monitoring activities, Marcos pointed out it is still the government agencies that execute the projects needed for recovery, reconstruction and