The Department of Public Works and Highways has employed qualified dependents of soldiers and policemen who were either killed or wounded in action in the Marawi siege operation against the extremist Maute group.
DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar, who also serves as the Vice Chair of Task Force Bangon Marawi, said 18 qualified dependents of casualties now work in the Department’s offices nearest to their place of living. The dependents were hired mostly as Administrative Aides and Laborers in DPWH Regional and District Engineering Offices.
“We deeply sympathize with the families of our brave soldiers and policemen who sacrificed their lives for the safety of the civilians. That is why we want to be able to extend as much help as we can to their bereaved dependents,” said Secretary Villar.
Aside from assisting family members of killed troops, DPWH is also actively involved in improving the living conditions of internally-displaced persons (IDPs) who are now living in various evacuation centers.
To date, DPWH has constructed 49 latrines/toilets at seven (7) DSWD-managed evacuation centers in Iligan City and Baloi, Lanao del Norte. Ground improvements using DPWH fleet of equipment were also implemented at Pantar, Sta. Elena, and Iligan City Evacuation Centers.
Immediately after the clash, DPWH has also provided relief goods and cash assistance to IDPs sourced from voluntary contributions of DPWH officials and employees.
DPWH currently leads the Task Force Bangon Marawi Reconstruction Sub-Committee which is responsible for the reconstruction, repair, and rehabilitation of all national roads and bridges, public schools, and government buildings, and is a member agency in Housing Sub-Committee that will construct temporary and permanent shelters with necessary utilities.