Marawi Rehab Still on Track, PRRD to Lead Oct. 31 Groundbreaking

Task Force Bangon Marawi Chairperson Sec. Eduardo del Rosario today assured the residents of Marawi that the reconstruction of the Most Affected Area (MAA) remains on track.

In an interview in Agenda ng Bayan on Radyo Pilipinas, Del Rosario said that the MAA rehabilitation has already begun despite the groundbreaking being rescheduled from October 28 to October 31, 2018 to allow the President to lead.

“Nagmo-mobilize ngayon ‘yung developer,” he said. “They can conduct initial debris clearing para pagkatapos ng groundbreaking, magsisimula na ang reconstruction.”

(The developer is mobilizing now. They can conduct initial debris clearing so that when the groundbreaking is done, reconstruction can begin.)

Asked about the delays in reconstruction, Del Rosario explained that the Task Force had to change their mode of procurement into a negotiated agreement after being advised that a joint venture agreement was not applicable to the rehabilitation efforts.

The other option they rejected, he said, was a build-operate-transfer but was noted to further delay the reconstruction.

“’Yung proseso kasi ng build-operate-transfer, pag ‘yun ang in-apply, medyo magkakatagalan, dahil yung proseso bago ma-award ‘yung build-operate-transfer will take time,” he said.

(If we applied build-operate-transfer, it would be slower, because the process of awarding build-operate-transfer will take time.)

Pushing through with a negotiated agreement involving debris clearing and horizontal development, Del Rosario said the Task Force saved P1.1 billion and they had more opportunities to scout for a quality developer.

Moreover, Del Rosario ascertained that the funds would be safe from corruption, as the Task Force would observe strict compliance with and implementation of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. A technical working group composed of national government agencies will be formed to provide technical capacity to the developer, while the National Housing Authority will organize the Bids and Awards Committee that will check the legal and financial capability of the contractor.

All things considered, he confirmed that the MAA reconstruction will be finished by December 2021, the date indicated on their original timeline.

His message to the Maranaos waiting for the restoration of their beloved city? “We are one with them na apurahin at pagtulungan na matapos agad ang rehabilitation ng Marawi.”

(We are one with them in expediting and helping each other finish the Marawi rehabilitation immediately.) (PIA)