MARAWI CITY, Nov. 29 – Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario is awed by the progress of the massive rehabilitation in this war-torn city as he belittles detractors for sustained attacks against the government despite the development.
At the "kandori" or thanksgiving event organized by the Marawi local government unit, Secretary Del Rosario thanked the Marawi Sultanate League, headed by Chairperson Nasser Sampaco, Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra, other local and traditional officials and civil organizations for their full backing to TFBM.
The Marawi leaders afforded Secretary Del Rosario with "kandori" after his recent confirmation by the powerful Commission on Appointments as the first-ever head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. “Kandori” is a thanksgiving and congratulatory Maranaw tradition that recognizes one’s achievements among family members and friends.
According to the housing czar, hurdling all the questions by the Commission on Appointments was indeed a great challenge for him, especially queries pertaining to Marawi’s rehabilitation.
What kept him going, Secretary Del Rosario noted, was knowing that the people of Marawi were behind him and fully support his confirmation.
He further stressed, “the well meaning traditional, institutional and civil society leaders are the best barometer of real progress and accomplishments of TFBM on the ground and not the vested interest groups who oppose everything that the government does”.
The TFBM chair admitted that he felt upset by the criticism thrown to him by his detractors despite his sincere efforts to raise Marawi City back to normalcy. Nevertheless, he remained unaffected and determined to continue focusing on the task at hand as instructed and desired by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
In his message, Secretary Del Rosario disputed critics for claiming that no significant development had transpired in Marawi over the last three years.
“Ang kanilang (detractors) mga sinasabi since Day One ay pare-parehas pa rin. Kasi sa kanilang pananaw, walang nangyayari sa rehabilitation. Ay napaka-imposible po yata na i-accept yan,” Secretary Del Rosario said.
“This group, if we will bring them to the Most Affected Area at nakita nila na meron nang tumatayo na vertical at horizontal infrastructures, they will again say that they are not satisfied. There’s no objectivity in what they say and do, it’s always negative,” he added.
According to Secretary Del Rosario, the TFBM's rehabilitation efforts are very systematic and based on a master plan so as to avoid possible accidents, obstacles and conflicts to address safety and property disputes among the populace.
He likewise stated that the government wanted internally displaced persons to enjoy nothing less than the comfort of a renewed life courtesy of new shelters complete with electricity and water, as well as programs meant to secure their livelihood.
Earlier, Sultan Sampaco pledged the full support of the Maranaos, saying that Secretary Del Rosario is now part of the Maranaos’ history for his selfless service as TFBM chief.
Mayor Gandamra, on the other hand, called the housing czar as his brother and trusted friend, vowing to always support him in his endeavors.
Meanwhile, civil society leader Aslani Montila reiterated publicly his support to Secretary Del Rosario -- stressing that telling the truth is the only rightful and constructive path to success.
The TFBM chief completed his latest three-day visit to Marawi on Saturday after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation projects, including the reconstruction of mosques that were damaged during the 2017 siege. (DHSUD/PIA-ICIC)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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