Reconstruction of Marawi's Bato Mosque set to start

A ceremonial ritual was held for the upcoming reconstruction of the Dansalan Ali Bato Mosque, which was severely-destroyed during the Marawi siege in 2017.

According to Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairman Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario, President Rodrigo Duterte wants the construction of damaged mosques to be prioritized.

"I am happy to note na nakakuha tayo ng donation, private donation kaya magaground-breaking na ang pagsimula para sa reconstruction ng Bato Mosque," Del Rosario said during a press briefing in Marawi City on Thursday.

"Ang Bato Mosque ay structurally damaged, hindi na puwedeng ma-repair kaya't ang gagawin natin magkakaroon ng groundbreaking and afterwards, magkakaroon ng demolition ang Bato Mosque. Gagawa tayo ng bago in accordance with the tradition of Maranao," he added.

Del Rosario said the budget for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, specifically the reconstruction of mosques, is not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Ang budget ng Marawi rehabilitation ay hindi naapektuhan ng COVID, kung magkano ang sinabi natin na kailangan 'yun ang inilalaan ng gobyerno," he said.

"With regards to the mosque, 31 mosques ang naapektuhan at nasira, sabi nila kung ano 'yung dapat na palitan, reconstruct at 'yung puwede naman irepair. Mayroon tayong inventory ano dapat ang i-repair..." Del Rosario said.

Aside from the construction of mosques, some establishments in the city's most affected areas are being rebuilt. He noted the ongoing construction of a jail facility for at least 1,000 inmates, which is already 30% complete.

Schools, peace memorial museums, and barangay halls with health centers are being constructed too, Del Rosario said.

According to the government official, the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi is "on-track" and "on-time." He said the President wants to finish the projects during his term.

"Dahil 'yan ang gusto ng Pangulo, matapos lahat ng projects within his term. We are targeting December 2021, six months before the term of the President ends," Del Rosario said.—AOL, GMA News