President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has created the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation and Development (OPAMRD) to expedite the recovery and redevelopment of Marawi City and surrounding areas.
Through Executive Order No. 78, the OPAMRD will be overseen by the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation (PAMR) under the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP).
“The OPAMRD is tasked with integrating, coordinating, and accelerating the implementation of all government programs and projects for the rehabilitation, development, and restoration of peace and order in Marawi City and nearby localities,” the EO stated.
Key Functions of the OPAMRD:
- Advising the President on matters related to Marawi’s rehabilitation and development.
- Overseeing and monitoring the implementation of strategies, programs, and projects.
- Coordinating with local government units (LGUs) for effective program execution.
- Submitting biannual reports on progress and directives to the President via the Office of the Executive Secretary and OSAP.
The directive also called on government agencies, bureaus, LGUs, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to provide full support to ensure the effective implementation of the OPAMRD’s initiatives.
Marawi City was devastated during a five-month conflict that began on May 23, 2017, between government forces and the Maute Group. The siege left the city in ruins before the government declared victory on October 17, 2017.
Related Developments:
- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently confirmed that the Marawi compensation fund for 2024 remains untouched.
- Other issues include the arrest of MILF commanders for illegal arms sales and alleged fake dentists operating in Marawi.
With the creation of OPAMRD, the government aims to bring renewed focus to Marawi’s rehabilitation and the restoration of peace and prosperity in the region.