Measures to speed up Marawi recovery
By Nidz Godino
"To ensure institutional stability, it is imperative to institutionalize and strengthen functions of implementing government agencies involved in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in City of Marawi and other affected localities,"
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has ordered streamlining and strengthening of functions of various government agencies to fast track reconstruction of Marawi City and other areas affected by 2017 armed conflict between government forces and ISIS-inspired Maute group.
Under Administrative Order (AO) 14, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Dec. 22, Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) will cease operations today and will be functus officio or of no further official authority or legal effect by March 31, 2024.
TFBM's unused funds will be turned over to Office of the President, AO said.
FMJ particularly ordered Department of the Interior and Local Government to maintain peace and order in Marawi City and other affected localities, and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to facilitate and oversee completion of housing projects for affected residents.
Department of Public Works and Highways was also ordered to coordinate complete restoration of public utilities such as water and electricity and repair and reconstruction of public buildings and infrastructure.
FMJ meanwhile, directed Department of Health and Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure health, sanitation, food and other basic needs of residents; and Department of Trade and Industry to provide environment conducive to revival of business and livelihood activities.
TFBM was created pursuant to AO 3 in 2017 as amended by AO 9 to oversee progress and completion of several programs and activities under Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program.
While TFBM performs supervisory roles such as coordination and monitoring activities, FMJ pointed out it is still government agencies execute projects needed for recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi.
He noted arrangement has resulted in delays due to "redundant and superfluous bureaucratic layers in national government."
FMJ said there is need to rationalize functions of government agencies "in order to promote efficiency and organizational coherence in bureaucracy consistent with rightsizing policy."
As part of winding down its operations, FMJ ordered TFBM to facilitate reversion to OP of remaining balance of TFBM Trust Fund.
It is also mandated to conduct inventory of its assets, properties and ensure proper accounting and turnover of funds and settle its outstanding obligations and submit Consolidated Audited Report of Disbursements to OP on or before March 31, 2024.
TFBM has been directed to submit Comprehensive Transition Report to the President.
FMJ also repealed AOs 03 and 09 series of 2017 and all other orders, rules and regulations and issuances or parts of orders bases for creation of TFBM inconsistent with provisions of AO 14.
Over 100,000 Marawi residents were displaced when Maute group attacked Marawi City on May 23, 2017, prompting then president Rodrigo Duterte to place entire Mindanao under martial law.
Armed clashes lasted for five months.
Duterte signed Republic Act 11696 or Marawi Siege Compensation Act of 2022 in April last year.
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