US provides new aid for Marawi

MANILA, Philippines — The US government has provided new micro-grants to communities and business owners displaced by the fighting in Marawi in 2017.

Six groups received grants amounting to $5,000 or about P260,000 each from US Agency for International Development (USAID) economic development and governance chief Jeffrey Lehrer in Iligan City on Wednesday.

“The US government in partnership with the Philippine government is committed to support Lanao communities in their journey to recovery,” Lehrer told grant recipients. 

Mindanao Development Authority chairman Emmanuel Piñol as well as representatives of the Task Force Bangon Marawi, Lanao del Sur provincial government and city governments of Marawi and Iligan witnessed the event.

The micro-grant will support community learning facilities, including training spaces and daycare centers, the US embassy said in a statement.

The micro-grants are part of the USAID’s P1.35-billion Marawi response project, which supports the economic recovery and social cohesion of displaced and host communities, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Iligan. 

Launched in 2018, the project is a partnership between the USAID and international non-government organization Plan International and supported by local organizations Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits Inc. and Maranao People Development Center Inc.

 The USAID has committed more than P3.4 billion for humanitarian and recovery efforts in and around Marawi. 

 Over 100,000 residents were displaced when Islamic-State inspired Maute militants attacked Marawi on May 23, 2017, prompting President Duterte to place Mindanao under martial law.

The clashes between militants and government troopers lasted for five months.