Tirahan: A Marawi Documentary

It has been months since the firefight in Marawi City has ended – a momentary taste of freedom and of peace. It was supposed to mark the new phase in the lives of the people of Marawi. However, what should be a jovial return to homes and old lives is instead marred by persistent problems on food, shelter, sanitation, damages to property, protection, and livelihood.

Little has changed. 6,240 people still live in evacuation centers, more than 230,000 internally displaced persons are waiting to come back, millions worth of structures are yet to be rebuilt, and thousands of lives are yet to start anew.

As the crucial rehabilitation stage nears, the people of Marawi must ensure that the plans are sensitive, inclusive, and community-led. The plans must not be dictated by foreign investors or even skirted through bogus consultations. Accountability, now, is of utmost importance and must be demanded by an empowered community.