Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairman Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario stressed that peace is key in sustaining the progress now taking place in the only Islamic City in the country.
In his speech marking the culmination of this year’s Marawi Week of Peace, Secretary Del Rosario, who also heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, highlighted the government’s all-out effort in promoting peace and harmony across Marawi as the city marches toward recovery.
“This year’s Marawi Peace Week celebration theme—Peace Starts With Us: Give, Work, Share—is very timely and relevant. It synchronizes with the dawning of a new life for each of us amid the continuing progress in our beloved city,” the TFBM chief stressed.
“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,” he noted.
Secretary Del Rosario called on all Maranaws to protect and cherish the peace they are now enjoying and always do their best in further pushing for the city’s overall development.
“Let us ensure that we nurture this within and beyond the fences of our communities. After all, every Maranaw deserves an opportunity to prosper and this is your time, let us claim it—by working and doing our share for this noble purpose. Together we can certainly do more!” the TFBM chief added.
Economic vibrancy in Marawi City has been noted as evidenced by the dramatic increase in the revenue collection by the local government from P500,000 prior to the siege to P30 million in 2020.
The Week of Peace, which kicked off on May 17, featured an array of activities meant to raise public awareness on cooperating with the authorities to uphold peace and harmony in their respective communities.
Already on his fifth visit to Marawi this year, Secretary Del Rosario expressed satisfaction over the progress of the government-led rehabilitation.
Upon his arrival at the TFBM Field Office on Friday, the housing czar immediately held a forum with representatives of the Task Force’s implementing agencies to exchange notes on the latest developments regarding their respective projects.
Secretary Del Rosario likewise spearheaded the inaugurations of key facilities in Marawi, including Masjid Disomangcop and the Barangay Tolali complex.
The TFBM chief also led groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of school buildings, a convention center and the Sarimanok Sports Stadium in the Most Affected Area.
Highlighting Secretary Del Rosario’s visit this weekend was 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.