Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 29) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Thursday it was working with experts to craft an “efficient” master plan for the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi.
Speaking at a press briefing at Malacanang, Sec. Mark Villar said the DPWH was already coordinating with urban planning specialists and local officials to ensure the city’s rehabilitation, adding the government did not want a repeat of the past administration’s highly-criticized Typhoon Yolanda rehabilitation.
Villar said President Rodrigo Duterte wanted Marawi rehabilitation plans to move quickly, adding the department had spoken with the Marawi City mayor and counterparts in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
He said the master plan was being crafted by specialists who would apply the newest urban planning developments in the city’s rehabilitation.
“It was done by experts and it will be utilizing all the latest, in terms of urban planning… it will be very efficient and I’m sure it will be an improvement also,” Villar said.
Clashes between government troops and the terror Maute forces in Marawi are on their 38th day and have killed more than 300 people and displaced 246,000 residents.
Amid the damage cause by the battle, Sen. Richard Gordon on Wednesday called for a master plan to help the city back on its feet.
READ: Master plan needed for Marawi – Richard Gordon
The President has also pledged some ₱20 billion ($400 million) for programs for its rehabilitation.
He also said he would look for money if the allocated budget needed to be increased.
“It’s a very significant amount and it will… Marami tayong magagawa sa (we could do a lot with) P20 billion in terms of rehabilitation,” Villar noted.
READ: Duterte vows to rebuild Marawi
The secretary also said the Department had yet to flesh out the full details of the master plan, as they await assessments on the extent of damage in the Islamic city.
He assured, however, the government would not repeat mistakes of the previous administration.
“The President is very clear on this… He expressed his disappointment in the facilities for Yolanda before… That’s something that hindi na po mauulit (will not be repeated), definitely. We’ve already seen the mistakes from the past and we will not repeat them,” Villar said.
He added that while the master plan was still under way, the government would improve living conditions of evacuees.
This includes upgrading evacuation center facilities and providing basic amenities in tent cities being made for displaced Malawi residents.
CNN Philippines’ AC Nicholls contributed to this report.
