Gov't envisions Marawi as tourist destination

MARAWI CITY, Oct. 23 (PIA) - The ongoing infrastructure development in war-torn Marawi is seen to transform the city into a vibrant tourist destination.

In a Virtual Presser hosted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office through the Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs and Philippine Information Agency, TFBM chairperson Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario said the infrastructure development in Marawi City will help attract tourists which can trigger more economic activities in the city.

This, he said, will boost the city's competitiveness in the future.

"Ang kailangan lang natin ay maensure na wala nang mga teroristang makapasok at ma-entice natin ang local as well as foreign tourists na magpunta, makita at mafeel nila kung gaano kaganda ang Marawi City," he said.

(All we need to do is to ensure that terrorists won't enter and entice local as well as foreign tourists to come, see and feel how beautiful Marawi City is.)

Del Rosario noted that the distinct Maranao culture and traditions will also lure foreign tourists to visit Marawi City.

In the same presser, City Mayor Majul Gandamra said the establishment of different infrastructures in Marawi is geared towards the beautification of the city especially in the most affected area so that it will draw tourists.

"Sa pamumuno ng TFBM ay puspusan na ginagawa natin na matapos ang ating mga infrastructure projects within the ground zero including the road networks," he further said.

(Under the leadership of TFBM, we are working hard to complete the infrastructure projects within the ground zero including the road networks.)

"Napakaimportante na maayos din natin ang ating mga kalsada, even outside the ground zero, nang sa ganon ay magkaroon ng connectivity at maengganyo ang mga tourists na pumasok," the mayor added.

(It is very important that we also fix our roads, even those outside ground zero so that we can have connectivity and entice tourists to come in.)

Currently, the construction of road networks, Peace Memorial Park, Marawi Museum, and School of Living Tradition inside the most affected area are in full swing.

Groundbreaking ceremonies were also conducted to start the construction of Torogan (ancestral house of Maranao royalties) and the rebuilding of the Dansalan Bato Mosque.

Meanwhile, Del Rosario said the government needs the cooperation of everyone to achieve the objectives of Marawi rehabilitation - namely make it a catalyst for growth and sustainable development, a trigger for good governance, and a template of a peaceful environment.

He also reiterated that TFBM, with the support of the 56 member-government agencies, local government units of Marawi and Lanao del Sur, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and non-government organizations, is certain and committed to ensure that the rehabilitation will be completed by December 2021.

"I am certain that with the support of everybody we will be able to ensure that Marawi will rise as a prosperous city again as committed by our beloved President," he said. (APB/PIA-ICIC)