TFBM: Government agencies help to IDPs not given simultaneously

MATUNGGAO, Lanao del Norte: "If we will be united and collectively help (addressing) all issues, all problems, these will be resolved," Asst. Sec. Felix Castro, field manager of Task Force Bangon Marawi, said when he graced the first anniversary festival last December since evacuees transferred to the Bakwit village here.

He said he saw so many children and pointed out,"I always said the children are the answer to our future."

What TFBM is pursuing is livelihood. Castro said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) alone has 49,000 beneficiaries to help. He also mentioned the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other government agencies are there to help.

"They will help but not simultaneous," Castro emphasized, adding that. "Like the DTI, what they are buying do not simultaneosusly arrive... For example, if you ask for a sewing machine but what is available welding machine, you cannot be given yet (you have to wait) but we are facilitating it to ensure that all will be given support." 

He told the audience to always bear in mind that the government is always there to help them. He said help is of various kinds. "May relief goods, the shelters, these are help from the government," Castro added.

TFBM is the focal government agency tasked for the rehabilitation of the Islamic city of Marawi which was under siege by the Maute-ISIS and allied terror groups in 2017.

Almost two years have passed since the government said it liberated it, the city, particularly its 24 most affected barangays, is still in ruins.

Heavily-damaged buildings and houses of worship, abandoned homes, ruined business establishments and empty streets are what is left of this former bustling Islamic center. (RSP)