Over 2,000 IDPs to receive various forms of assistance on first commemoration of Marawi siege

The IDPs who are remain in 18 evacuation centers in Marawi City

 Cotabato City (May 23, 2018) – To mark the day of the siege of the Islamic City of Marawi a year ago, the government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) distributed various forms of assistance to about 2,190 internally displaced persons (IDPs) today.

The IDPs who are remain in 18 evacuation centers in Marawi and in the neighboring town of Saguiaran.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the regional government strives to rebuild the foundations of local leadership and reestablish safe spaces for the most vulnerable groups in the communities. “Marawi will rise again, and it will rise with the renewed strength and courage of our people,” Gov. Hataman added. 

ARMM’s Chief of Staff Norkhalila Mambuay-Campong said departments and line agencies in the region have each adopted an evacuation center for the community iftar (meal to break the fast). Today, there will be free medical check-ups, Oplan Balik Eskwela, and launching of the book that compiles Marawi City stories.

 

Children in the evacuation center

“This is part of the constant efforts of the regional government to accommodate the needs of the people of Marawi,” Campong said. Exactly a year after fighting and destruction started, the government remains busy helping the people of Marawi to rebuild and return to their home.

The ARMM government has earmarked Php150 million for the city’s rehabilitation program. The regional government already provides a series of medical and psychosocial services, relief distribution, livelihood training and assistance, peace advocacy, dialogue, and consultation, among others.

The region’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offers skills training, the Social Welfare and Development department is implementing its sustainable livelihood program, and the Cooperative Development Authority is supporting the local cooperatives.

The ARMM government also granted assistance to IDPs who are most affected by the siege. They are currently staying in Cotabato City for a month to take part in this year's Ramadan Fair with Php45,000 financial support for each qualified beneficiary.

One of the beneficiaries is Casana Darangina whose family left Marawi with only Php800. After paying a place to stay in this city, only Php300 remained in her pocket. Casana and her husband used what was left of their money to start a small business, which eventually sustained their family's needs until today.

“Sobrang pasalamat na gumanda ang bahay namin dahil sa tulong na binigay sa amin ng regional government. So after dito, idadagdag namin ang kita sa paninda namin sa Iligan para tuluy-tuloy na makapag aral ang mga anak namin,” she said. (Bureau of Public Information)

The IDPs who are remain in 18 evacuation centers in Maraw
and Saguiaran town.