Representing Secretary Mark A. Villar, Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, together with Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Operations Dimas S. Soguilon visited on August 2, 2017 the 11-hectare site for Transitional Shelter, located at Sagunsungan, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, with the completed Model Row House (3 units) built by DPWH with steel framing from Department of National Defense (DND) and energized by Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO).
Still in its early phase, the Site Development/ Clearing Operation is already at 60% while the Drainage Canal Ditching is 30% as of August 2. Areas 2, 3, and 4 were already cleared; however, Areas 1 and 5 are still being negotiated by the LGU due to unsettled Right-of-Way problem.
On the following day, Asec. Soguilon, ARD Efren Berba, Engineer Mikunug Macabantog, Engr. Alykhan Ali and Engr. Mustapha Deron attended a meeting at Mahogany Hills, Iligan City together with Vice Mayor Bombit Adiong, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, Office of the Civil Defense Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr., Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense Cesar Yano and agencies like the National Housing Authority (NHA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Pag-Ibig, Land Registration Authority (LRA), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Army, Joint Task Force Lanao, Local Government Units (LGUs) and Chairmen of barangays.
It was clarified during the meeting that the Transitional Shelters will be occupied by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and families from the evacuation centers before they transfer to their permanent shelters.
DPWH, according to Asec. Soguilon, will be in close coordination with every sector and offices on what needs to be developed on the actual site like the drainage or lined canal, asphalt and other things that the Department can offer.
Task Force Bangon Marawi was created by virtue of Administrative Order 3, signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, to oversee the rehabilitation of Marawi composing of Reconstruction Program, Housing Program, Health and Social Services, Business and Livelihood, and Peace and Order. DPWH is the lead agency, chaired by Secretary Mark A. Villar, for the Reconstruction Program.