COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has provided Wednesday various assistance to some 2,190 internally displaced persons or victims of last year’s deadly ISIS siege of Marawi City who remain in 18 evacuation centers there and in the neighboring town of Saguiaran in Lanao del Sur province.
Militants had occupied Marawi on May 23 and sparking house-to-house fighting with security forces that lasted over 5 months and left the city in total ruins.
Rise Marawi
ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said they continue to strive hard to rebuild the foundations of local leadership and re-establish 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 said.
In his commemoration speech, Gov. Hataman said: “It has been a year since Marawi City, known as the lone Islamic City of the Philippines, had been ravaged by fear and terror. Parts of a city that was once a melting pot of different histories, cultures, and beliefs have been reduced to rubble. That terrorism had its grip upon a city in the heart of our region reminds us that there is so much more to be done. In our long struggle for peace, our people have survived numerous conflicts, and this most recent war finds its place among the worst in our history.”
“And yet, as we have done in response to every threat our people have faced, we must stand united with our brothers and sisters. The price of peace, as we have learned throughout our history, is constant vigilance. We cannot afford to let this happen again, and this requires collective effort towards securing our homes, our cities, and our region. The safety of our people lies not only in ensuring security against crimes and conflict but in ensuring education for all – an education that is affirmed not only by our schools but by our communities. Peace and security is achieved not only through law enforcement and state offensives, but through constant dialogue that seeks to engage each and every Bangsamoro.”
He further said: “As we struggle and work towards rebuilding the city of Marawi, we must also strive to rebuild the foundations of local leadership and re-establish safe spaces for the most vulnerable in our communities. In our efforts towards healing, we must go back to the core of our faith as Muslims and, as we fast together as we honor the Holy Month, we must remember that with every hardship comes relief. As we fulfil our duties as Muslims, we must also remember to continue the work that lies ahead of us together, as we worship Allah and dedicate all our efforts for his glory. Marawi will rise again, and it will rise with the renewed strength and courage of our people.”
ARMM Assistance
Exactly a year after fighting and destruction started, the ARMM government remains busy helping the people of Marawi to rebuild and return to their home. The ARMM government has earmarked P150 million for the city’s rehabilitation program. The regional government already provides a series of medical and psycho-social services, relief distribution, livelihood training and assistance, peace advocacy, dialogue, and consultation, among others.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in ARMM is also offering skills training and the Department of Social Welfare and Development is implementing its sustainable livelihood program, and while 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 P45, 000 financial support for each qualified beneficiary.
One of the beneficiaries, Casana Darangina, whose family left Marawi with only P800. After paying for a place to stay in this city, only P300 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, ida-dagdag namin ang kita sa paninda namin sa Iligan para tuluy-tuloy na makapag aral ang mga anak namin,” she said.
Tadman di ripatan
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). And to mark the commemoration of the siege, the ARMM held free medical check-up, Oplan Balik Eskwela, and launched a book that compiles Marawi City stories. “This is part of the constant efforts of the regional government to accommodate the needs of the people of Marawi,” Campong said.
The ARMM’s Office of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs led the launching of the book entitled ‘Tadman di ripatan.’
Tadman di ripatan features narrative essays, poems and photos reflecting the memories of Marawi residents and Mindanao State University students during and after the Marawi siege. The book’s title is derived from the Maranao phrase meaning ‘Remember, do not forget.’
The book hopes to create a space for those affected by the siege to share their experiences and remind others the importance of its impact. It also seeks to expand the discussions on the aftermath of the siege.
The event, organized by OBYA-ARMM and the Communication and Media Studies Department of Mindanao State University (MSU)-Marawi, was held at the Mamitua Saber Research Hall in the MSU-Marawi Campus.
A photo exhibit entitled “Memories of Marawi Siege” was also opened to the public and attended by ARMM officials, students and members of school-based organizations at MSU, faculty of the Communication Studies Department-MSU, and the book’s writers and contributors. (Bureau of Public Information)
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