TF Bangon Marawi unaware of NCMF, Japanese accord for Marawi housing

By MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

May 10, 2019

Japan-based Satsuma Russia Exchange Promotion Council (SREPC) president Norio Akahori and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos secretary Saidamen B. Pangarungan ink recently an accord for the provision of 24,800 portable houses to Marawi IDPs. (NCMF photo) 

MARAWI CITY: Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) has no knowledge that the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has secured a donation of more than 24,000 houses, work visas and employment for Marawi displaced persons and other residents from a Japanese organization.

In a statement on Thursday, the TFBM's National Secretariat said it had no information on this project and no coordination was made by NCMF with the TFBM or with its subcommittee on Housing led by Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and National Housing Authority (NHA).

TFBM was reacting to an NCMF’s announcement that it had signed a memorandum of agreement with a Japan-based Satsuma Russia Exchange Promotion Council (SREPC) to provide over 24,000 houses and employment for the IDPs.

According to the announcement made by the external relations bureau of the commission, NCMF Secretary Saidamen B. Pangarungan and SREPC President Norio Akahori inked the agreement recently on the donation of 24,800 mobile homes for Marawi residents, and provisions for Japanese employment and visas.

The accord also stipulated that the proposed portable housing project will be funded by Japan’s Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to be facilitated, negotiated and arranged by SREPC.

NCMF said each mobile house to cost approximately 4 to 6 million Philippine pesos will have 2 to 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living room with a minimum land area of 150 square meters. A mobile masjid will also be provided.

Task Force Bangon Marawi is the lead inter-agency government body tasked by President Rodrigo R. Duterte to rebuild Marawi and assist affected communities by the 2017 Marawi siege infiltrated by Islamic dawlah-inspired Maute group and allied terrorists.

TFBM said while all support for Marawi displaced persons from government and non-government organizations are most welcome, "we wish that proper coordination be made with TFBM to assess its viability and ensure that expectations are truly met."

“Hence, we will reach out with NCMF to obtain more information and details on this project,” it added.

TFBM is headed by HUDCC chairperson retired General Eduardo D. Del Rosario. (MNY/RSP)