THE rehabilitation efforts for Marawi City continue to move ahead despite the onslaught of the Tropical Storm Vinta.
On Wednesday, around 80 individuals from the Bangsamoro community, mostly from the youth sector, gathered in Iligan City to contribute to policies, which the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will devise for the restoration of Marawi City.
The forum dubbed as “Post Marawi Conflict Multi-stakeholdiers’ Peace Dialogue,” was initiated by the Office of the ARMM vice governor.
The forum was also attended by various peace advocates, stakeholders and residents of Marawi City.
“We're trying to make sense of what's happening precisely why we invited them so that together we can share common sentiments and ideas on how we can come up with a better stand, because this is a very serious situation that we have. Terrorism is a phenomenon that is very destructive to humans, regardless of what religion we carry,” ARMM Vice Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr. said.
During the forum, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) Executive Director Diosita Andot shared the importance of emotional healing and recovery among the residents affected by the conflict and their role as core elements in rebuilding Marawi City.
“Marawi City is not just the beautiful location by the lake that we remember. The city is its people, its culture and beliefs…it is made of families and clans and individuals who had been hurt not just because they lost their belongings and loved ones but because their relations are torn apart, forced to live in places that are not their natural and comfortable habitat, and the future remains bleak to them,” Andot said.
“Being peace advocates enables us to connect better to the people afflicted by the war. That emotional connection, believe me, contributes to the healing of our brothers and sisters much more than what basic necessities can provide,” she said.
She urged everyone to take a more proactive role in the Bangsamoro government.
“Let us not depend on our leaders to give us this new era of peace and prosperity for our territories. Because if we will not take action, then it will not solve our problem,” Andot added.
Meanwhile, the Opapp has distributed gifts and hygiene kits to spread the holiday spirit to families situated in home-based shelters in the village of Sta. Elena.
Over 300 recipients, some were affected by the flood spawned by Tropical Storm “Vinta,” had their basic needs provided and their morale boosted by the Opapp.