PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered some government agencies to expedite and ensure the completion of rehabilitation projects for Marawi City.
Under Administrative Order No. 14, Marcos designated the Health Department and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to attend to the health, sanitation, food and other basic needs of Marawi locals.
On the other hand, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development was tasked to facilitate the housing projects in Marawi City. The Department of Public Works and Highways was assigned to restore water and power, and reconstruct public infrastructures.
Marcos also ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government to maintain peace and order in Marawi, and the Trade Department to help revive businesses and livelihoods in the city.
“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,” the order said.
The president also ordered the Task Force Bangon Marawi to end its operations on Dec. 31. It will be then be deemed functus officio or its mandate expired by March 31, 2024.
The task force was asked to return the remaining balance of its trust fund to the Office of the President and to conduct an inventory and turnover of its assets, properties and funds.
It was also tasked to submit a Consolidated Audited Report of Disbursements and a Comprehensive Transition Report to the president.
In 2017, government forces clashed against members of the rebel group Maute in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The five-month conflict resulted in deaths from sides, as well as civilians, and a massive displacement of residents and destruction of property.
