As the locals of war-torn Marawi City continue to rebuild their lives after being displaced by the five-month war in 2017, many affected families saw a glimmer of hope when the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, in partnership with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, completed the second phase of the ‘Bakwit Village.’
Recently, PAGCORs Board of Directors led by Chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo and President and COO Alfredo Lim, together with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators group, turned over a total of 130 housing units measuring 22.75 sqms. each to the displaced families.
Aside from the housing units, 20 livelihood stalls and two educational buildings were donated by the POGO group to help create livelihood and educational opportunities for the locals.
Financial assistance worth P50,000 each was also given to 20 families as start-up fund for their intended small businesses.
A three-hectare community with modular units and houses made of light wooden materials, the ‘Bakwit Village’ serves as (POGOs) temporary home of families who lost their properties or were forced to flee Marawi City when fighting erupted between government forces and the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group in May 2017.
In December 2017, PAGCOR and POGO initially awarded 300 housing units to the affected families. The recipients of the temporary shelters were identified by representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The POGO group also committed to shoulder the water and electricity bills of the families in ‘Bakwit Village.’