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MARAWI CITY (MindaNews / 18 Oct) – In a small classroom here, United States Ambassador Sung Kim read a book to third-grade students after he distributed teaching kits and story books at the Amai Pakpak Elementary School last Tuesday.
Kim arrived here bringing P1.35 billion ($25 million) in aid to improve economic and social conditions of communities directly affected by the Marawi siege and help stop the ISIS expansion in the country.
He briefed Lanao del Sur Governor Bedjoria Soraya Alonto Adiong and Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra about the aid that will eventually be handed over to Task Force Bangon Marawi, which is overseeing the rehabilitation work.
“We will help youth obtain the skills they need for employment, as well as link them to Mindanao’s thriving production and services sector to help them find gainful employment,” Kim said.
Kim said the new aid package brings the total US assistance to Marawi to nearly P3.2 billion ($59.1 million).
He said the new package would help the long-term recovery of displaced residents.
“As the situation evolves, so does the nature of our response to the crisis,” Kim said.
He outlined the assistance, which includes provisions for training of 175 madrasa educators and administrators.
The ambassador said there would also be vocational trainings for the displaced residents. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)
