PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday ordered the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation (OPAMR) to fast-track its rehabilitation efforts in the formerly war-torn city of Marawi, particularly the installation of electricity and water, and the construction and rehabilitation of houses.
OPAMR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. said they expect at least the utility-related projects to be finished within four months, or before the end of 2024.
The President, during a sectoral meeting in Malacañang, said while OPAMR seems to have solutions to most of the issues confronting the Marawi’s rehabilitation, “the government should find better ways to accelerate the rehabilitation of the city.”
Marcos said he also wants more focus on power and water.
“We cannot do anything if we have no water supply. The brownout, you can live with it. But you cannot in terms of the water supply,” he said in mixed Filipino and English.
Pangandaman said there was a delay in the implementation of the Bulk Water Supply Project by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) due to legal challenges.
He said LWUA has committed to finish the project within four months, or before the end of this year.
Marcos also wants the issues concerning shelters for residents affected by the Marawi siege to be addressed immediately.
Pangandaman reported that the contract for the temporary shelter of Marawi siege victims has already expired.
He was referring to the previous administration’s agreement with some private landowners to temporarily allow use of their property for five years, pending the construction of permanent shelters for Marawi siege victims.
The President directed Pangandaman to coordinate with private landowners and asked if they could extend the contract to accommodate the victims.
Pangandaman said he would work closely with the local government unit on the housing issue.
Marcos, in Administrative Order 14 in 2023, institutionalized the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City and streamlining of the functions of implementing government agencies involved.
Marawi was attacked by terrorists in May 2017, leading to a fight-month fighting.
