Outgoing Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairperson Eduardo del Rosario on Wednesday said he will step down from his post with a sense of fulfillment over the rehabilitation process of the war-torn city which he described as a “template for good governance.”.

Del Rosario, also Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), described his role as “challenging but fulfilling.”

“Spearheading Marawi’s rehabilitation after the 2017 siege was truly challenging. However, it brought me a sense of fulfillment having accomplished such a Herculean task,” he said in a statement.

Del Rosario cited that the massive rehabilitation of Marawi City may have not succeeded without the support of TFBM’s 56-implementing agencies and other partners.

“Thank you for all your support, patience, and cooperation. The TFBM would not have done it without the support of the local government, the implementing agencies, partner organizations, and other stakeholders, most especially our Maranaw brothers and sisters,” he said.

Del Rosario is confident that the next generation of Maranaws (natives of Marawi City) will be reaping the benefits of TFBM’s rehabilitation efforts.

“The first two years may have been the most challenging period. I had to learn how to muster all the patience I ever could and remain determined because, at the end of the day, the rehabilitation of Marawi City is not about me – it’s about you and the next generation of Maranaws. Doon ko itinuon ang direksyon ng proyektong ito, maging ngayon na matatapos na ang aking termino bilang (That is where I focused the direction of the project, even until now as I am at the end of my term as) TFBM chairman,” he said.

Aside from physical infrastructure projects and livelihood opportunities for people, TFBM earlier vowed that Marawi City residents can now have a more peaceful environment following the neutralization of the remnants of Daesh-inspired terrorists in Lanao del Sur.

Del Rosario has repeatedly said the TFBM’s rehabilitation initiatives will serve as a “template for good governance and pursuit to lasting peace”

“Marawi City is close to finally getting back, if not surpassing, its former glory as the massive government-led rehabilitation now heads into the home stretch,” he said, citing the effective cooperation among implementing agencies, Marawi local government unit, as well as the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and civil society partners throughout the rebuilding processes.

Del Rosario visited Marawi City last week to reassess the latest developments and ensure the TFBM’s finishing touches ahead of the transition of efforts to the Marcos administration. (PNA)