NEDA: Marawi rehab planning in full swing

MANILA, Philippines — The assessment of the rehabilitation needs in Marawi is in full swing as the military clears more areas, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said yesterday.

Task Force Bangon Marawi is preparing a Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan for the city and surrounding areas, Adoracion Navarro, NEDA undersecretary for regional development, told a press briefing.

Navarro said NEDA completed the assessment of 49 of the 96 affected barangays.

At least 77,170 families or 353,921 individuals affected by the fighting between government troops and Maute militants are staying in 69 evacuation centers in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

Navarro said evacuees are continuously being provided relief assistance, including health services. She said those who opted to return to Marawi after the city was declared liberated from terrorists are also being provided with recovery assistance, such as transitional housing and cash for work.

Navarro said several development partners, such as multilateral development banks, have offered assistance, but have yet to make formal commitments. The World Bank and Asian Development Bank are among those that offered loans and technical assistance.

The government is initially allocating P5 billion for the early recovery phase, the bulk of which will be spent for health and social services.

Davao City donates P5 M

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio  has ordered the release of P5 million from the city’s calamity fund for the rehabilitation of Marawi. 

 “It is our duty as Dabawenyos to help our countrymen,” Carpio said yesterday.

She called on other local government units to also pitch in for the rehabilitation program. – With Edith Regalado