Assessment Teams of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will now enter “ground zero” for the conduct of post conflict needs assessment (PCNA) needed for the reconstruction of the war-torn Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
“Our teams are ready to work with the assessment to have it completed as soon as possible”, said DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar.
Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has given clearance to proceed with the PCNA activities for damage and loss assessment at the remaining 10 cluster areas comprising 47 barangays within the main battle area.
No less than Secretary Villar with Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, Undersecretary Karen Olivia V. Jimeno and Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra entered some buildings at the main battle zone that was left in ruins by five (5) months of fighting between soldiers and Islamic militants.
As head of the Sub-Committee on Reconstruction of the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), DPWH spearheads the immediate repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction of national roads and bridges, public schools, and government buildings.
The Sub-Committee on Reconstruction under President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Administrative Order No. 9 issued on October 27, 2017 is composed of member agencies namely AFP, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Energy, Department of Information Communications Technology, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and Office of Civil Defense.
A total of 49 barangays under clusters 1 to 10 were covered by first batch of damage and loss assessment conducted by all concerned agencies from October 15 to October 28 which will be the basis in coming up with immediate short term plans pending the crafting and approval of the Marawi Comprehensive Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan.
Committed to rehabilitate and rebuild Marawi, Villar said that both the local and national government are continuously working together in creating a strategic masterplan with long-term and holistic plans and initiatives.
The TFBM, composed of different subcommittees and support groups to ensure that all concerns related to the rebuilding and development process are appropriately addressed, is working in close partnership with the local governments of Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, added Villar.