INITIAL steps were taken this week for the implementation of a law that will give compensation to Marawi City residents who lost family members and whose properties were damaged during the 2017 siege, according to the head of the government’s reconstruction team.
Housing Secretary Eduardo D. Del Rosario, who chairs Task Force Bangon Marawi, led a meeting on Monday to start preparations for the establishment of the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB).
“We must fast-track our efforts in finalizing the formation of the MCB. It is part of our mandate and responsibility to give just compensation to our Maranao brothers and sisters who lost their lives, were displaced and incurred property damages during the siege,” Mr. Del Rosario said in a statement.
Under Republic Act 11696 or the Marawi Siege Compensation Act of 2022 signed last month, the independent, quasi-judicial board will be in charge of evaluating, processing and awarding claims.
“What we can do for the initial push is to formulate key measures aimed at ensuring the optimum operationalization of the upcoming MCB,” said Mr. Del Rosario, who is visiting the city this week for the observance of the Marawi Week of Peace from May 17 to 23.
The siege of Marawi started on May 23, 2017 when military forces set out to capture Isnlon Hapilon, the head of a militant group that pledged allegiance to the extremist ISIS group.
The heavy gun battle between government forces and the militants lasted for five months, leaving a central part of the city in ruins.
The compensation law is intended to complement the government’s reconstruction program that focuses on public infrastructure and resettlement housing.
One of the highlights of this year’s week of peace observance is a trade fair showcasing the products of over 30 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city, including members of the Bangon Marawi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Featured products include handwoven products and other handicraft, fresh and processed agricultural goods, and Maranao delicacies, among others.
“By showcasing these Maranao products through trade fairs such as this, we can show to the other regions in the Philippines, and to the global market as well, that we are at least at par with other growing industries,” said Trade Undersecretary Ameenah Abcede-Fajardo during Tuesday’s opening ceremony.
“The Export Marketing Bureau under the Trade Promotions Group of the Department of Trade and Industry and my Office as the Undersecretary for Special Concerns, have been given the task of promoting a wide range of Philippine products, including Halal products and services,” she said.
Rosslaini Alonto-Sinarimbo, director general of the Bangsamoro region’s Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism noted that MSMEs are a backbone of the local economy.
“We hope to rebuild Marawi City through business and livelihood because this is the backbone of the economy,” she said. “We cannot accommodate all in the government, we have to make it a point for businesses to come back because this will bring sustainability to the economy.” — MSJ