FOUR years after a siege that laid waste to a huge part of the progressive Islamic City, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) said Marawi is on the mend with local government revenues increasing 60 times based on 2020 data.
TFBM Chairman Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario said in a statement on Sunday that the city’s revenue collection increased to P30 million in 2020 from P500,000 prior to the siege.
Del Rosario manifests that economic vibrancy has returned to Marawi City—progress that he said must be sustained by maintaining peace in the Islamic City.
The over four-month siege was perpetrated by homegrown, but Islamic State-inspired terrorists under the Maute Group.
“More than the facilities and infrastructure, lives and communities are now being rebuilt in a progressive and peaceful environment. This is the key to achieve genuine development and prosperity,” Del Rosario said.
Del Rosario also called on all Maranaws to protect and cherish the peace they are now enjoying and always do their best in further pushing for the authorities to uphold peace and harmony in their respective communities.
In his fifth visit to Marawi this year, Del Rosario attended a forum with representatives of the Task Force’s implementing agencies to exchange notes on the latest developments regarding their respective projects.
Del Rosario also spearheaded the inaugurations of key facilities in Marawi, including Masjid Disomangcop and the Barangay Tolali complex.
He also led the groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of school buildings, a convention center and the Sarimanok Sports Stadium in the Most Affected Area.
Del Rosario also attended the wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes’ Wall to honor soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives in fighting for Marawi’s freedom from the clutches of terrorism.
Other activities featured in the week-long event were peace forums, provision of livelihood assistance to internally displaced families and carrying out of medical and dental missions carried out by TFBM’s member-agencies and partner-organizations.