President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken steps to streamline the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City, aiming to reduce delays caused by government bureaucracy. This move, as stated by Malacañang, is part of the administration’s commitment to expedite the implementation of programs in the city and other affected areas.
To address the issue of bureaucratic inefficiency, President Marcos Jr., through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, signed Administrative Order (AO) 14 on December 22. This order aims to streamline the functions of government agencies involved in the recovery efforts, promoting efficiency and organizational coherence in the bureaucracy.
The President emphasized the need to reduce delays caused by redundant bureaucratic layers in the national government. By rationalizing the functional structures of government agencies, the administration aims to accelerate the reconstruction and recovery efforts in Marawi City and other affected localities. This move aligns with the Rightsizing policy and is in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Eight-Point Socioeconomic Agenda of the administration.
Under AO 14, President Marcos Jr. has instructed all government agencies involved to expedite the completion of projects and activities in coordination with the relevant local government units. Several key departments have been given specific responsibilities to ensure the smooth progress of recovery efforts.
The Department of Interior and Local Government has been tasked with maintaining peace and order in Marawi City and other affected areas. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development will oversee the completion of housing projects for the affected residents. The Department of Public Works and Highways will coordinate the restoration of public utilities such as water and electricity, as well as the repair and reconstruction of public buildings and infrastructure.
The Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development will work together to ensure the health, sanitation, and basic needs of the residents. Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry will create an environment conducive to the revival of business and livelihood activities.
To ensure the smooth transition and effective implementation of the recovery efforts, President Marcos Jr. has ordered Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) to wind up its operations by December 31, 2023. By March 31, 2024, the TFBM will be deemed “functus officio” and will revert the remaining balance of the TFBM Trust Fund to the Office of the President. The TFBM is also required to conduct an inventory of its assets, settle outstanding obligations, and submit a Consolidated Audited Report of Disbursements to the Office of the President. Additionally, a Comprehensive Transition Report is to be submitted to the President.
The institutionalization of the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City marks a significant step towards expediting the recovery process. By streamlining government agencies and assigning specific responsibilities, President Marcos Jr. aims to reduce delays and ensure the efficient implementation of programs. This move demonstrates the administration’s commitment to addressing the needs of the affected residents and restoring normalcy to Marawi City and its surrounding areas.
Source: The Manila Times
