Cotabato City (May 22, 2018) – To mark the day of the siege of the Islamic City of Marawi a year ago, the government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will bring various forms of assistance to about 2,190 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who remain in 18 evacuation centers in Marawi and in the neighboring town of Saguiaran on Wednesday, May 23.
ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the regional government strives to rebuild the foundations of local leadership and reestablish 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,” Gov. Hataman added.
ARMM’s Chief of Staff Norkhalila Mambuay-Campong said departments and line agencies in the region have each adopted an evacuation center for the community iftar (meal to break the fast).On the 23rd of May, there will be free medical check-ups, Oplan Balik Eskwela, and launching of the book that compiles Marawi City stories.
“This is part of the constant efforts of the regional government to accommodate the needs of the people of Marawi,” Campong said. Exactly a year after fighting and destruction started, the government remains busy helping the people of Marawi to rebuild and return to their home.
The ARMM government has earmarked P150 million for the city’s rehabilitation program. The regional government already provides a series of medical and psycho-social services, relief distribution, livelihood training and assistance, peace advocacy, dialogue, and consultation, among others.
The region’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offers skills training, the Social Welfare and Development department is implementing its sustainable livelihood program, and the Cooperative Development Authority is supporting the local cooperatives.
The ARMM government also granted assistance to IDPs who are most affected by the siege. They are currently staying in Cotabato City for a month to take part in this year’s Ramadan Fair with P45,000 financial support for each qualified beneficiary.
One of the beneficiaries is Casana Darangina whose family left Marawi with only P800. After paying for a place to stay in this city, only P300 remained in her pocket. Casana and her husband used what was left of their money to start a small business, which eventually sustained their family’s needs until today.
“Sobrang pasalamat na gumanda ang bahay namin dahil sa tulong na binigay sa amin ng regional government. So after dito, idadagdag namin ang kita sa paninda namin sa Iligan para tuluy-tuloy na makapag aral ang mga anak namin,” she said.
SOURCE: (Bureau of Public Information)
May 22, 2018 @ 14:53
N-BICTO-052218-337
