MARAWI City ― Congressional representatives convened in Marawi City yesterday to expedite the rehabilitation program for survivors of the Marawi siege seven years ago.

The hearing, hosted by Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur’s 1st District, included Misamis Oriental’s 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Vincente Emano, Bataan’s 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman, PBA partylist Rep. Margarita Nograles, Davao del Norte’s 2nd District Rep. Cheeno Almario, Biker’s partylist Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, and Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr.

Discussions focused on the ongoing rehabilitation efforts and compensation for structural damages that victims of the siege still await. Rep. Adiong emphasized the urgency of speeding up the rehabilitation, citing unresolved issues such as water and electricity shortages.

FASTER REHAB. Rep. Yevgeny Vincente ‘Bambi’ Emano (wearing violet) of the 2nd District Misamis Oriental Chairman House Committee on Mindanao Affairs and Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (wearing blue) of the 1st. District Lanao del Sur Chairperson Chair Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensations lead the ocular inspection with PBA Partylist Rep. Margarita Nograles (wearing bandana next to Rep. Alonto) at Ground Zero in Barangay Maan, Marawi City on June 4. Photo by Edwin Iyo

“Marawi’s rehabilitation is long overdue. Nababagalan na kami. We are doing everything we can to fast-track it, but challenges remain,” Adiong said, assuring constituents that the rehabilitation is now a top priority for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s administration.

Adiong highlighted the budget season in Congress as an opportunity to secure funding for compensating victims' structural damages. He reassured survivors that compensation would be realized under the President’s directive to expedite the process.

During the hearing, Asnaynie Macabando, a siege survivor, voiced frustration over the delayed compensation, stating that many survivors still rent homes due to inadequate government housing projects lacking essential utilities.

Survivors also requested livelihood assistance for young entrepreneurs struggling to find jobs despite completing their education.

Rep. Emano proposed a resolution for monthly updates on the rehabilitation progress, particularly regarding housing and utility provisions, to keep the Lower House of Congress informed on priorities.

The resolution was approved, mandating concerned agencies to submit monthly reports to the Lower House of Congress to accelerate Marawi’s rehabilitation.