THE CITIES of Davao and Marawi are eyeing a sisterhood agreement wherein the former would commit to “extend technical assistance to Marawi in the fields of infrastructure development, urban planning, disaster management, and other expertise that may support for its rehabilitation,” according to the Davao City Investment Promotion Center. As this developed, the Davao City administration has asked the local legislative council to approve another P5-million assistance for Marawi’s recovery efforts. Last year, Davao released an initial P5-million aid following the five-month armed conflict between government forces and Islamic State-inspired local groups. “It is within our duty as elected officials to help other cities who are in need of our help,” Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in a statement. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) also earlier urged the government to look into Shariah-compliant funding mechanisms such as Islamic microfinancing for both businesses and communities in Marawi as part of the rehabilitation program. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

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