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WHILE there is intense discussion on the possible extension of martial law in Marawi, let’s focus on what is most important – the reconstruction of the once beautiful and peaceful southern city flattened to the ground due to nearly five months of armed conflict. A massive and well-organized rebuilding effort must be in order.
We should learn from our super typhoon Yolanda experience. There were too many cooks that spoiled the broth. Everyone’s claiming credit for the projects but when problems began to manifest, everyone’s playing the blame game.
We should do this differently in Marawi. Why not create a single government body that orchestrates all the needed reconstruction projects?
The task of rehabilitating Marawi and return its old glory as the center of Islamic culture in the Philippines is an enormous logistical and financial undertaking. This requires an honest and dedicated group of civil work experts, logisticians and city planners. There’s a proposal to create a non-partisan and non-sectarian reconstruction commission which would design and manage the rebuilding of the city. It should be seriously considered.
The proposed martial law extension could help hasten the reconstruction even after the last remnants of the Maute militants have been flushed out. It could ensure the swift and uninterrupted reconstruction effort.
With expected outpouring of financial aid to support the reconstruction of Marawi, there is a need to establish a single but well-organized government body, fully backed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which would manage the funds for the reconstruction of the city.
We should make sure that the communities that will re-emerge in a new Marawi City is modern and responsive to the needs of its people. We should rebuild Marawi to make it a better place for those who have undergone so much pain. As one people, we have a moral responsibility to help heal the wounds of war.
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