Mindanao Development Authority seals a cooperation agreement with the League of Cities of Philippines to harmonize efforts and mobilize resources of the various local governments in the country for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Islamic City of Marawi. In photo are (L-R) MinDA Chief of Staff Abul Khayr Amalon Alonto II, MinDA Chairman Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, Angeles City Mayor Edgar Pamintuan, and Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra. (Photo from Mindanao Development Authority)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines—A memorandum of cooperation signed between the Mindanao Development Authority and the League of Cities of the Philippines will help rehabilitate the war-torn Marawi City.
The MOC was signed on Tuesday, July 25 at the side event of the 3rd ASEAN Mayor’s Forum at Taguig City, a statement from MinDA said on Wednesday.
Both MinDA and LCP expressed their intention to cooperate and provideassistance in the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and development of Marawi and other cities affected by the siege.
“This partnership will also ensure that all the development of programs and projects are focused on both the short-term and long-term needs of the affected people of Lanao del Sur such us food security, livelihood assistance, education, and shelter,” MinDA Chairman Datu Abul Khayr Alonto said.
Alonto also vowed to ensure that “historical contexts are incorporated in the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts for Marawi.”
“Our main goal in this partnership is to tap our able local governments from all over the country through the established mechanism of LCP, in alleviating the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Marawi and help them get back on the track to development,” he added.
According to Alonto, the partnership ”heeds the strong commitment of the Duterte Administration to build a better Marawi once the entire city is cleared from any security threat”.
On Monday, the President promised to rebuild Marawi City including Lanao del Sur.
Apart from the rehabilitation efforts, the MOC also adopts the strategies identified under the Mindanao Development Corridors (MinDC), which already includes an infrastructure framework for the Northern Mindanao Development Corridor that ensure the connection of Marawi to the rest of the economic corridors.
In a recent meeting with the Marawi and Lanao del Sur stakeholders, Alonto said that of the priorities of MinDC is to pave the road connections from Marawi to the eastern side of Talakag to Kapai.
“These roads are currently open, but not open,” he said.
The corridors strategy, now includes the Bangsamoo Economic Development Corridor covering Maguindanao, Maranao, and Lupah Sug, and aims to ensure that the road connection can lead Marawi to market centers and ports. (davaotoday.com)
