By Lady Jean L. Kabagani
ILIGAN CITY, April 8 (PIA ICCC) – The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) has partnered with the Republic Cement for the implementation of “Marawi Tibayanihan” project.
This project aims to provide alternative livelihood support to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) to assist the in the rehabilitation of their homes destroyed by the Marawi siege.
Reynaldo Laguda, PBSP executive director, said, “there is an immense need that has to be fulfilled in regard to the rehabilitation of the war-torn city. From our experience after several missions in Marawi City, we have developed a more responsive framework to guide our member-companies and partner-donors towards a more holistic and collective response, supportive of the needs of the IDPs and local plans.”
Under the “Tibayanihan” project, a group of skilled workers on carpentry, masonry, electrical wiring, welding, plumbing, and painting, and among others will be trained to further enhance their skills in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).
Beneficiaries of this project are expected to become part of the “Tibayanihan” crew, which soon be tapped for construction services in Marawi City.
The “Tibayanihan” crew will be endorsed to the stakeholders, local government units and to the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM).
The project implementation also includes repair and reconstruction grant to the displaced families who do not have the capacity to pay for construction labor and materials of their ruined homes.
IDPs will undergo property assessments to know their home condition and assess the required repairs.
Nabil Francis, president of the Republic Cement Services, Inc., emphasized their company’s commitment to pursue this project saying: “The development of Mindanao is in line with Republic Cement’s thrust in nation-building. As much as this project is about constructing stronger homes and buildings, it is also about strengthening the people’s hope that tomorrow can be better.”
Target beneficiaries
Meanwhile, the project targets the residents of Barangay Raya Saduc, Barangay Bubonga, and Biyaya ng Pagbabago Transitional Site (Area 1) in Barangay Sagonsongan to benefit from the reconstruction assistance.
“This is not just an investment in rebuilding Marawi’s infrastructure, it is also an extended hand to families in desperate need to keep on facing another day. Rebuilding stronger homes is all about strengthening families, and in turn, building a stronger Republic,” Francis shared the Republic Cement Inc. is committed to support Marawi rehabilitation.
Also, Laguda reiterated that there is a bigger accomplishment when everyone works together.
“May Marawi Tibayanihan be a testament to the good that the private sector could accomplish when different entities and corporations come together and work toward a common goal,” he added. (LJKabagani/PIA ICCC)