Secretary Andanar gives update on the IDPs of Marawi

ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL-YAHYA
March 26, 2018

ILIGAN CITY: In the press briefing conducted by Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) at its field office here Friday, Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) has bared the latest update on the situation of internally displaced persons in Marawi City. 

He said: “As of March 20, there are 1,648 families in 52 remaining evacuation centers in Region X and ARMM. Meanwhile, 41,175 families were identified as home-based IDPs within the said areas. 

“As for Marawi residents who have been allowed to return to their homes, the government has not wavered in aiding them. As of March 20, P322,481,808 worth of DSWD support and maintenance services have been accessed by 27,770 displaces families who have returned to their respective barangays under Cluster 1 to 7 and 9. These services include financial assistance, ‘pabaon’ food packs, hygiene kits and kitchen kits. 

“Now we would like to report on and express our gratitude for the recent efforts of our international and local partners. In line with the recovery of Marawi City and its residents, we start with the World Food Program Philippines which conducted the feeding program for the students of Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School in Marawi City on March 13, 2018 as part of its emergency school meals project. The feeding program was led by WFP Philippines Country Director Stephen Gluning, WFP National Ambassador Against Hunger, KC Concepcion, Chef Tony Boy Escalante, and the Department of Education-Marawi City Division. 

“Aside from the meal, slippers were distributed to the students and kitchen utensils were donated to their schools. The Japanese government on the other hand, through Ambassador Koji Haneda has turned over 27 sets of brand new heavy equipment to the TFBM Vice Chairperson and Department of Public Works and Highways Chief, Mark Villar and TFBM Field Officer Manager and Housing Urban Development Coordinating Council, Assistant Secretary Felix Castro, Jr. for use in the government’s rehabilitation program of Marawi City. The ceremonial handover took place at the ‘Biyaya ng Pagbabago’ transitional shelter site in Barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City on March 15. The grant in the form of construction machineries is part of the Philippine-Japan Economic and Social Development Program. 

“On a related note, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda signed 2 new official development assistance projects to the Philippines amounting to 3.5 billion pesos on March 20 of 2018. One billion pesos of which will be use to further support the rehabilitation of Marawi City. The assistance would be coursed through various departments and with the supervision of the Task Force Bangon Marawi. 

“Mitsubishi Motors Philippines through its President and CEO Mitsuhiro Oshikiri also handed over 26 Mitsubishi utility vehicles to the Task Force Bangon Marawi through Executive Secretary Bingbong Medialdea and TFBM Field Office Manager, Assistant Secretary Felix Castro, Jr. These vehicles are expected to enhance the TFBM member-agency’s logistical capacity to promptly provide assistance and aid to Marawi evacuees. 

“The US government, through the United States Agency for International and Development or USAID, announced a new assistance of 100 million pesos to boost food security in Marawi and surrounding areas. USAID is partnering with World Food Program to provide 1.8 million kilograms of rice to internally displaced persons. The ceremonial handover of rice held in Manila on March 14, 2018 was attended by US Ambassador Sung Kim, Undersecretary Emmanuel Leyco, Officer-In-Charge of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima, Spokesperson of Task Force Bangon Marawi and Mr. Stephen Gluning, the Country Director of the World Food Program. 

“Through a funding support from Belgium, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization or FAO in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Department of Agriculture and City Agricultural Office of Marawi distributed different agriculture inputs and tools to farmer-beneficiaries of the Agrarian Reform communities of Marawi City on March 20, 2018. 

“The turnover was headed by Belgian Ambassador Michel Goffin in Barangay Dulay Proper, one of the 13 ARCs in the city. Marawi farmers received certified rice seeds, bags of fertilizers and assorted vegetable seeds. Packages for broiler and vegetable production were also distributed; the primary goal of the effort is to ensure food security in the city through boosting food production in agricultural barangays. 

“On humanitarian partners for different civil service and faith-based organizations also continue to provide different services to the affected residents of Marawi and nearby localities. Based on the report of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, there are 139 organizations facilitating over 6,000 activities in aid of the Marawi residents rehabilitation and recovery. These CSOs and NGOs are also involved in different clusters such as education, health, shelter, logistics and the provision of non-food items. 

“Recognizing the contributions of these organizations and our progress, and with the intent of integrating them with our ongoing plans, the Provincial Government of Lanao Del Sur held a multi-stakeholder’s forum on March 20-21 at the New Capitol Complex in Marawi City: Local chief executives; religious and traditional leaders; NGOs; women’s groups, members of the academe; security force; business affiliates; youth organization and international partners participated. Among the key topics discussed were the proposed development of the most affected areas, IDP returnees, livelihood programs and a comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery program.” - PIA/RSP