Marcos Jr. creates panel to fast-track

MANILA, Philippines — Marawi rehabilitation President Marcos has formed a panel to fast-track the rehabilitation and development  of Marawi in Lanao del Sur.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation and Development will advise the President on matters related to rehabilitating, developing and restoring peace in Marawi and other areas hit by the 2017 conflict, according to Executive Order 78 issued on Nov. 28.

The panel will be led by the presidential adviser for Marawi rehabilitation under the control and supervision of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President.

“There is a need to create a single office dedicated to oversee and ensure efficient, effective and timely implementation of the PAP (programs, activities and projects)  for the rehabilitation, development and restoration of peace in Marawi and other affected localities,” the order signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of Marcos read.

In 2017, then president Rodrigo Duterte created the Task Force Bangon Marawi to oversee the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the city.

The operation of the task force was terminated on Dec. 31, 2023 after the completion of several projects under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program.

Several agencies were directed to complete the remaining projects under the program, including the interior and local government, human settlements, public works, health, social welfare and trade departments.