CAGAYAN de Oro City — Nine years after the 2017 siege, some families in Marawi are still waiting for their homes, livelihoods and communities to be fully restored, even as government agencies and community groups continue rehabilitation efforts.
The unfinished recovery was acknowledged by City Vice Mayor Majul U. Gandamra during the ninth anniversary of Marawi’s liberation on Oct. 17.
Gandamra cited the reopening of businesses, restoration of public infrastructure and gradual return of economic activities as signs of progress. He also pointed to renewed interest in the city for business, tourism and cultural heritage.
But he did not provide figures on how many families are still awaiting housing assistance, how much livelihood support has been delivered, or which rehabilitation projects remain unfinished.
These details matter to residents seeking to understand how much of the city’s recovery has reached affected households and what remains to be done.
Gandamra said the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation and Development (OPMRD) and other government partners continue to support housing, livelihood assistance, psychosocial services and infrastructure development.
He credited national and local government agencies, security forces, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, private businesses and residents for contributing to the recovery.
“The story of Marawi's recovery is not the story of one office, one administration, or one institution. It is the story of people and partners who choose to stand together when our city needed them most,” Gandamra said.
He also recognized residents who have worked to rebuild their homes and businesses, support their families and preserve their traditions after the siege.
“The recovery of a city cannot be sustained by government action alone. It requires the participation of its citizens, trust of its communities, the commitment of its leaders, and the continued partnership of the institutions working toward a common goal,” he said.
Gandamra called for continued attention to affected families, expanded livelihood opportunities and responsible investments as rehabilitation continues.
For residents, however, the measure of recovery goes beyond reopened businesses and restored infrastructure. Clear public updates on completed and delayed projects, housing assistance, livelihood support and remaining needs would help show which commitments have been fulfilled and where further action is needed.
The available account did not include a project-by-project progress report, a rehabilitation budget breakdown or a timeline for addressing the remaining needs of affected families.
(With a report from Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
