A five-month battle against Islamic State group supporters in the southern Philippines that claimed more than 1,000 lives has ended following a final battle inside a mosque, defence chiefs said on October 23. / AFP PHOTO / MERLYN MANOS
(Eagle News) — Malacanang is allocating an initial P5-billion fund that will be spent until the end of the year for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, as efforts to build 1,100 transitional shelters are targeted to be completed within the year.
Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima said a big chunk of the fund would be allotted for the relief efforts.
“Ang priority diyan ay ‘yung patuloy nating pagbibigay ng relief sa ating IDPs (internally displaced persons),” Purisima said during the regular Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.
As of latest count, he said there are more than 72,000 internally displaced families still housed in evacuation centers as well as those who are home-based.
Purisima added that part of the 5-billion would also be used to fund the construction of transitional shelters.
-1,100 transitional shelters until year-end –
The National Housing Authority eyes to build at least 1,100 transitional shelters within the year for the Marawi City IDPs or internally displaced persons, he said.
These shelters may be ready for occupancy by early next year.
Purisima said that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now fast-tracking the site development of the transitional shelter sites.
“‘Yun ang target nila doon sa unang plano. Of course, this is subject to evaluation, this is subject to revisions as needed dahil ngayon minamadali na at tinatapos na ng DPWH ‘yung site development ng lahat ng transitional shelter sites. ‘Yung six areas diyan sa transitional shelter sites,” Purisima said.
The site development continues in Barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City.
A private company also volunteered to develop a water distribution system for the transitional shelter site in Barangay Sagonsongan and has identified location for installation of deep wells.
Malacanang said that the government will also accept donations from foreign groups and it is being handled by the Finance and Resource Mobilization Support Group. Among the donors include Thailand, India and China.
To address concerns on the lack of livelihood in the temporary sites, Purisima said the government is studying possible livelihood and business opportunities for the IDPs.
The government will also set up markets, schools, health and medical centers in the transitional shelter sites.
“At saka alam naman natin itong transitional shelter site ay transitional, temporary lamang, ngunit bibigyan pa rin natin sila ng sense of community dito sa transitional shelter site,” he said.
“So nagpaplanong maglagay diyan ng marketplace, maaaring maglagay din diyan ng eskwelahan at health center o medical center,” he added.
