Marcos orders Marawi City rehabilitation projects expedited

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. told agencies concerned to expedite the long-delayed rehabilitation of Marawi City, following updates presented during the eighth Economy and Development (ED) Council Meeting.

In a news release on Sunday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos ordered an assessment of the feasibility of completing the Reconstruction and Development Plan for a Greater Marawi (RDPGM) Stage 2 project by 2028.

The President was also updated on the proposed funding sources and mechanisms to prevent further procurement delays that could affect civil works.

During its meeting at Malacañang on March 19, the ED Council approved the proposal of the Department of Public Works and Highways to increase the cost and extend the implementation period of the RDPGM Stage 2.

READ: Marcos: BARMM involvement will speed up Marawi rehabilitation

The total project cost is proposed to increase by 26.55 percent, from P7.52 billion to P9.51 billion, due to updated requirements for civil works, consultancy services, and right-of-way acquisition, according to the PCO.

Meanwhile, the implementation period of the project, originally set from September 2018 to June 30, 2027, may be extended to March 31, 2028.

As of January 2026, the project was only 19.61 percent complete, the PCO said.

Completed infrastructure under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (BMCRRP) includes permanent shelters, power supply systems, and key facilities such as Marawi City General Hospital, Port of Marawi City, Marawi Dansalan Integrated School (MDIS), Marawi Central Fire Station, and Grand Padian Market with an ice plant.

Ongoing projects include the bulk water supply initiative by the Local Water Utilities Administration, set for completion by May 2026, as well as ancillary facilities at MDIS.

READ: New office to oversee Marawi rehab efforts

The RDPGM Stage 2 aims to restore transport infrastructure, energy, and water systems, and rebuild livable communities in Marawi, following the 2017 siege that destroyed the city.

The project includes the rehabilitation and construction of 26.59 kilometers of roads, bridges, drainage systems, and slope protection, in support of the BMCRRP.

Of the seven sub-projects, two road sub-projects have been completed, while five remain ongoing, including three roads, one viaduct, and six bridges. /gsg