Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez lauded the Marawi recovery initiatives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the latest of which was the creation of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation and Development (OPAMRD), under Executive Order (EO) No. 78.
Romualdez also highlighted the measures taken by his chamber to speed up Marawi City’s rehabilitation from the devastation caused by the 2017 siege, including the annual allocation in the national budget of at least P1 billion for reconstruction programs and projects.
He said that these efforts “reflect the administration’s deep commitment to addressing the long-standing issues that have delayed the full recovery of Marawi City and its surrounding communities.”
The creation of OPAMRD “is a significant step forward in ensuring that Marawi’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts are not only sustained but further streamlined and accelerated.”
“It is a demonstration of Marcos’ sincerity in delivering on his promise to the people of Marawi and the entire Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM),” Romualdez said in a press release.
He added that while progress has been made, challenges remain, including delays in the completion of key infrastructure projects, the provision of permanent housing, and the restoration of livelihoods.
The establishment of OPAMRD addresses these issues by creating a central authority to harmonize government efforts and ensure that all programs align with the needs of affected communities, he said.
He called for the participation of stakeholders, the private sector, and civil society, which he said is critical to the success of OPAMRD. “We must involve the people of Marawi every step of the way. Their voices, their aspirations, and their experiences must shape the path forward.” ||
