Marcos inspects Marawi rehab works

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos inspected yesterday the ongoing rehabilitation projects in Marawi City and checked on the condition of students and teachers at temporary learning spaces or TLS.

Marcos witnessed the installation of a Starlink internet unit, which provides educational access to 720 students, at a TLS in Barangay Sagonsongan.

The President also provided one Starlink internet unit each to Bangon Elementary School, Bacarat National High School, Angoyao National High School and Cabasaran Primary School. The Office of the President distributed laptops and school bags to teachers and learners.

“The President’s inspection marks a renewed commitment to education as a cornerstone of Marawi’s recovery and the national rehabilitation agenda for conflict-affected communities,” Malacañang said in a statement.

Marcos ordered the immediate construction of the Marawi City General Hospital to provide access to better healthcare services.

“We are giving the contractors and all of the government agencies a deadline of August to open the hospital so it can serve the people,” Marcos said.

Sulpicio Henry Legaspi Jr., Department of Health director, told Marcos that the hospital’s construction is scheduled to be completed by September this year, followed by the hiring and training of medical staff.

The President also inspected the newly constructed P261-million Marawi City Port.

During his visit, Marcos ordered the construction of additional ports around Lake Lanao to enhance connectivity among the 18 surrounding towns and boost local economic activity.

He also visited the 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade under the 1st Infantry Tabak Division of the Philippine Army at Kampo Ranao.

In November last year, Marcos created the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation and Development to fast-track the rehabilitation of the city and nearby areas.

Over 100,000 Marawi residents were displaced when the ISIS-linked Maute group attacked the city on May 23, 2017, prompting then president Rodrigo Duterte to place the entire Mindanao under martial law

The armed clashes lasted for five months.