The Climate Change Commission (CCC) on Thursday said the rehabilitation of Marawi City must include efforts to transform it into a “green city”, and not only a center for trade and business opportunities.

“Bringing back the vibrancy of Marawi is very crucial as the city has always been a trade hub and has contributed greatly to our country’s economy and well-being,” CCC Commissioner Albert dela Cruz Sr. said in a statement.

The rehabilitation of Marawi City started in 2017 and is now in its sixth year. Latest report from the Task Force Bangon Marawi said the city’s rehabilitation is 85 percent complete.

“However, in rehabilitating Marawi, we must not forget that we should include in the process an advocacy of transforming Marawi into an ‘Ecopolis’ or ‘Green City’ that espouses ecological advancement through the promotion of programs and policies that would initiate immediate climate action aside from mitigation and adaptation measures that would respond to the impacts of climate change,” dela Cruz said.

Citing the depletion of the country’s natural resources and the disappearance of forests, dela Cruz emphasized the importance of maintaining an ecological balance that would support and preserve lives while promoting the preservation and conservation of the environment in the city.

He met with the city’s local officials and Muslim elders to remind them to be mindful of their responsibilities as caretakers of the natural resources and observe measures that would enhance the residents’ capabilities in attaining food security, economic advancement and resiliency to the adverse impacts of climate change.

“In doing so, we will leave behind a legacy and inheritance for future generations that will be treasured by everyone,” he said.

The Marawi City was brought to naught during a five-month war against Islamic State-inspired local terrorists which started in May 2017. (PNA)