MARAWI CITY — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inauguration of another shelter project for people affected by last year’s fighting between government security forces and armed groups in this Islamic City.

Bai Zorahayda T. Haha, director of Department of Social Welfare and Development 12, reported Thursday the President, in his visit in the village of Mipaga on February 28, also reiterated his pledge to build a better city that was was destroyed by the Maute terrorists.

The Bahay Pagasa Phase 2 Immediate Shelter and Accommodation Housing Complex was funded by donations from the Tarlac Heritage Foundation Inc., Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc., and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Other donors include the Marawi City local government, Department of National Defense, Corvill Agricom Inc., and East West Seed Company Inc.

The 60 semi-bungalow housing units will be built inside the one-hectare housing complex, equipped with water facilities, electrical supply, community center, volleyball and basketball courts, parking lot, as well as children’s playroom and learning center. Also included is the “Hardin ng Lunas” vegetable and herbal garden.

“It only shows that our government is always here for us. We thank the President for the programs intended for Maranao people,” Dir. Taha said.

Around 18,478 families (92,390 people) have returned to Marawi since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared the city liberated from terrorists control.

In his speech, the President asked forgiveness anew from the Maranaos for the destruction brought by the conflict, as he stressed that as the Commander-in-Chief, he has the duty to suppress rebellion in Marawi City.

“Masakit man sa loob at ako’y humihingi na sa inyo noon ng taos-pusong… forgiveness. Kasi alam ko na talagang aabot ito sa ganitong gulo,” Duterte said.

“Kaya naman, sinabi ko sa inyo right after the war, rehabilitation will start immediately. Kaya kita mo ‘yung mga sundalo ko, ‘yun ang nakipag-away ng mga Maute pati terorista at sila nga ‘yung nagpagod na maibalik ang mga tahanan ninyo,” he added.

He said his government is willing to pour in money, noting that Land Bank and the Department of Trade and Industry are ready to assist Maranaos who want to restart their business.

“Let’s try to build ‘yung Marawi at least sa panahon ko. May three years and a half pa ako. Magbuhos ako ng pera dito. Maghiram kayo,” he said.

The President also renewed his administration’s commitment in achieving lasting peace in Mindanao.

Dennis Domingo, DSWD 12 regional information officer, said some of the recipients of the housing project will be beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, also known the Conditional Cash Transfer.

“Due to the conflict last year, the conditionality’s under CCT remain lifted until December 2018,” he said.

Under CCT, children aged 3 to 18 have to stay in school and maintain class attendance of at least 85 percent each month. Pregnant women are also required to avail pre- and post-natal care, and delivery must be assisted by skilled health personnel, while parents are mandatory to take “family development sessions” to enable them to become better parents. (JBM,PND/DSWD)