Philippine Armed Forces, partner agencies drive Marawi’s post-siege rehabilitation
Maria T. Reyes
The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation projects in Marawi. The initiative began after the 2017 Battle of Marawi, when government forces defeated Islamic State group-affiliated militants who held the southern city under siege for months.
The DND, in coordination with government agencies and local leaders, is playing a critical role in restoring the city and supporting its residents.
In May 2024, DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr., presidential advisor for Marawi’s rehabilitation, committed to achieving long-term peace and stability.
“The DND extends its unwavering support for the continued rehabilitation of Marawi City,” Teodoro stated.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ role in stabilizing post-siege Marawi includes conducting extensive clearing operations, establishing checkpoints and patrols, and rebuilding infrastructure. The forces also have helped build temporary shelters and provided humanitarian aid and medical missions.
In December 2023, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the expedited implementation of projects and activities by streamlining the functions of agencies including the nation’s departments of the Interior and Local Government, Human Settlements and Urban Development, and Public Works and Highways.
The order also highlighted the role of Task Force Bangon Marawi, created in 2017 to oversee the comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery program.
During the city’s liberation anniversary in October 2023, Marcos reiterated the government’s dedication to completing rehabilitation projects and processing victims’ claims. “Rest assured, my dear fellow Filipinos, that this administration will strive to achieve the goals we have set for you and your city,” Marcos said in a message delivered by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the presidential peace advisor.
In May 2024, the government’s Marawi Compensation Board awarded about $500,000 to siege victims for structural and property damage, as well as for death claims.
The Public Works and Highways Department, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, embarked on the Emergency Assistance for the Reconstruction and Recovery of Marawi project. The approximately $118 million initiative aims to drive inclusive economic growth through strategic infrastructure development. Key components include road repairs, bridge construction, and drainage and slope protection, the Office of the President reported.
Projects to revive Marawi’s economy also are underway. Promoting local business engagement is crucial for sustainable rehabilitation, according to a study by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, a Singapore-based research center. The study emphasized how agriculture and local entrepreneurship are driving economic recovery and reducing aid dependency.
“Together, we will rebuild [the] spirit and soul with the heroism and resilience that unfolded, which brought us together as a community,” Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra said in October 2023.
Maria T. Reyes is a FORUM contributor reporting from Manila, Philippines.
