The Office of the Cabinet Secretariat, through the initiative of Secretary Karlo Nograles, conducted an outreach activity in Marawi City last August 14 in partnership with non-governmental organziations MovEd Foundation, Kaayo Modern Mindanao and the Philippine Muslim Women Council (PMWC).
During the outreach activity, 500 school kits were given to pupils of the Harat Medina Elementary School at Bliss Lilod a Madaya, with the aim of easing the burden of parents in obtaining school supplies.
“Completion of the rehabilitation would mean Marawi will be restored and rehabilitated to its former glory and bustle.”
A short program was led by Nograles before NGO representatives started the distribution of the kits.
In his brief message, the Cabinet Secretary thanked the Philippine Muslim Women Council (PMWC) under the leadership of Bai Norhata M. Alonto for the warm hospitality and welcome their group had received.
“These activities inspire our children to strive more in their studies and mold their positive outlook on the value and importance of getting an education. We are both humbled and proud to be able to have a positive impact on the lives of our schoolchildren,” Nograles said.
The Secretary likewise took time to update attendees on the ongoing rehabilitation of their city.
“We at the Inter-agency Task Force Bangon Marawi are confident that we will finish the rehabilitation of ground zero by December 2021. The rehabilitation will span a 250-hectare area.”
Reports from the Task Force show that clearing operations on damaged buildings and removal of unexploded ordnance at ground zero are expected to be completed by November this year. The pre-procurement of materials for the construction of new buildings and homes destroyed during the conflict is also in full swing.
“Lives will be restored and our schoolchildren will be able to continue their studies in peace.”
Among the facilities to be built at the area are ports for the Lanao Lake, schools, widened road networks with underground provisions for electricity, water and telecommunications.
The repair of sewage treatment plants, a convention center, a museum, parking buildings, a peace memorial park, market, sanitary landfill and lakeside promenade are included.
“Completion of the rehabilitation would mean Marawi will be restored and rehabilitated to its former glory and bustle. Lives will be restored and our schoolchildren will be able to continue their studies in peace,” Nograles stressed.
The Secretary expressed his profuse gratitude to the MovEd Foundation and Kaayo Modern Mindanao for their efforts at ensuring the success of the outreach activity, adding that the children of Marawi were very grateful for the groups’ assistance.