Challenges to Recovery in Marawi City A Year after the Siege

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The US-Philippines Society and the Asia Foundation hosted a forum to assess the pace of recovery, the political and security environment, and status of displaced persons following the 5-month Marawi siege that began on May 23, 2017 at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington D.C. on June 4, 2018.

Anna Bantug-Herrera (left), the Asia Foundation Senior Director moderated the forum. Featured speakers: Aleem Guiapal (center), 2017 Hubert H Humphrey Fellow, and Sam Chittick via Skype (right), the Asia Foundation Director for the Philippines

During an off-the-record presentation, the Asia Foundation’s country representative for the Philippines Sam Chittick provided a timely overview and update on the Philippine government Task Force Bangon Marawi’s rehabilitation plan that targets completion by 2022.  He identified risks, challenges, and areas of progress. The Marawi siege displaced more than 350,000 residents and left extensive damage to personal and public property in the city center.

Cost of the Philippine government’s rehabilitation plan is estimated at $ 934 million. USAID has committed $ 26.4 million for Marawi recovery. Non-government charitable organizations have contributed to the recovery effort, including more than $22,000 raised by the US-Philippines Society for the livelihood, education and medical needs of evacuees.

Aleem Guiapal, former executive director of the ARMM Regional Economic Zone Authority, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow 2017-2018 at Michigan State University and currently a professional affiliate at the US-Philippines Society shared his insights into political and social factors underlying the Marawi siege. He provided policy recommendations aimed at integrating IDPs back into the mainstream of Maranao life.

Anna Bantug-Herrera, Associate Director of The Asia Foundation, Washington DC, facilitated the forum discussion. In his closing remarks, Hank Hendrickson cited the national and transnational challenges reflected in the Marawi siege and thanked the diverse audience for their interest. He also announced that the US-Philippines Society will re-launch its fundraising campaign to provide medical and educational assistance to displaced children of Marawi.

L-R: Aleem Guiapal, Anna Bantug-Herrera and US-Philippines Society Executive Director Hank Hendrickson

Representatives from non-profit organizations posed questions during the forum

US-Philippines Society members Professor Bernardita and Malcolm Churchill

U.S. government agency representatives and research analysts at the forum