MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the acceleration of Marawi City’s rehabilitation and improvements in Metro Manila’s transport connectivity, following updates at the 8th Economy and Development (ED) Council meeting on March 19.

The Stage 2 Reconstruction and Development Plan for a Greater Marawi seeks to restore transport infrastructure, energy and water systems, and rebuild livable communities. The initiative covers 26.59 kilometers of roads, bridges, drainage systems, and slope protection under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (BMCRRP).

Of seven sub-projects, two road projects have been completed while five remain ongoing, including three roads, one viaduct, and six bridges. The total cost is proposed to rise by 26.55 percent, from PHP7.52 billion to PHP9.51 billion, due to updated civil works, consultancy services, and right-of-way requirements. The project, initially set from September 2018 to June 2027, may be extended to March 31, 2028. As of January 2026, completion stands at 19.61 percent.

President Marcos ordered an assessment on the feasibility of finishing the project by 2028, the proposed funding sources, and mechanisms to prevent procurement delays affecting civil works. Completed infrastructure under the BMCRRP includes permanent shelters, power supply systems, and key facilities such as Marawi City General Hospital, Port of Marawi City, Marawi Dansalan Integrated School, 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, and ancillary facilities at MDIS.

Meanwhile, the Unified Grand Central Common Station project to improve rail and road connectivity in Metro Manila faces delays due to contractor performance issues. The design-build contract with BF Corporation and Foresight Development and Surveying Company was terminated on May 14, 2025, after reaching 67.03 percent completion and PHP1.37 billion disbursement of the PHP2.8 billion total cost. The Department of Transportation plans interim operations connecting LRT-1 and MRT Lines 3 and 7 by the first semester of 2027.

The President also stressed proper communication regarding contract termination, timely approvals for priority projects, and preventing post-facto decisions by the ED Council to protect public interests.

On compensation for Marawi residents, the council reported that 2,288 claims benefiting 2,280 claimants, totaling PHP3.85 billion, were processed from 2023 to February 2026.

President Marcos underscored the importance of accelerating Marawi’s rehabilitation and strengthening infrastructure projects to restore mobility, boost economic activity, and ensure timely delivery of benefits to the public.