Marawi mayor backs appointment of Del Rosario as DHSUD secretary

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra on Wednesday supported Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairperson Eduardo Del Rosario's confirmation as the head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

During the Commission on Appointments' hearing, Gandamra refuted allegations that TFBM, under Del Rosario's leadership has been "'ineffective"  because of delays in the rehabilitation of the war-ravaged Marawi City.

"The Task Force Bangon Marawi, in spite of the shortcomings, has been successful in many ways through its projects and initiatives," he said.

"The delays have been caused by circumstances beyond the TFBM's control as it is under the national government," he added.

Gandamra said there were bureaucratic processes that had to be followed by over 50 TFBM member-agencies and even the downloading of funds for various projects in Marawi had to follow a process.

He said a previous dialogue with President Rodrigo Duterte regarding these concerns resolved the issue and was able to fast-track the implementation of the rehabilitation projects.

"We have worked alongside him(Del Rosario) and we believe that the accusation and opposition directed towards him and the Task Force Bangon Marawi are no longer relevant as of this time," he said, expressing "strong support" to Del Rosario.

Gandamra also appealed to his constituents to unite and encourage the TFBM to continue with its mandate of rebuilding the Islamic city.

Last week, a group of Maranaos, unsatisfied with the pace of Marawi rehabilitation, opposed Del Rosario's appointment as Housing chief.

Five infrastructure projects for Marawi have been completed, so far, while 14 others are still in the pipeline, according to Del Rosario. He committed that these would be completed by December 2021.

The CA has yet to confirm or deny Del Rosario's appointment as of posting time. —LBG, GMA News