PH welcomes foreign aid to rebuild Marawi: Diokno

MANILA -- Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Thursday that the Philippine government welcomes any help from foreign countries for the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

On the sidelines of the 43rd Philippine Business Conference and Expo Thursday, Diokno told reporters that the government has funds for rebuilding Marawi, but would still accept any aid from other countries.

“It’s a commitment to rebuild Marawi. We have set aside money for Marawi, but we welcome any help from foreign countries,” he said.

The DBM chief noted that China already committed to help in the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

Even as clashes between government troops and terror group are still ongoing, the government has already prepared its rehabilitation program for Marawi City by creating the Task Force Bangon Marawi.

Composed of 23 government agencies, the inter-agency task force will lead the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi City and other affected localities.

Under Bangon Marawi, the government will be providing temporary and permanent shelters, reconstruct public infrastructure, and provide livelihood starter kit and training programs, among others.

However, Diokno said the government is still determining how much it would cost for Marawi rehabilitation.

Earlier, he said that PHP5 billion from the national risk reduction fund are available  for this year.

Also next year, the government has allotted PHP10 billion for Marawi rehabilitation. (PNA)