MARAWI CITY, Philippines – July 3, 2025 – The Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) has concluded a pivotal Strategic Planning Workshop, which was conducted from June 27 to 29, 2025, laying down an ambitious roadmap for 2025-2028 aimed at accelerating the delivery of justice and compensation to the victims of the 2017 Marawi Siege. The intensive planning sessions, facilitated by Mr. Ahmed Harris R. Pangcoga, Executive Director of Transforming Fragilities, Inc., a local NGO providing technical support in the BARMM region, were conducted under the auspices of the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, funded by the European Union (EU) and AECID, with DT Global serving as an implementing partner.
The workshop brought together MCB Board Members, led by its chairperson, Atty. Moslemen Macarambon, heads, and personnel from key units, including the Secretariat, led by Atty. Board Secretary Atty. Raifah Pamaloy-Hassan, Legal Unit, Technical Unit, Admin and Finance, and the Dispute Resolution Unit. Over several collaborative sessions, participants conducted a comprehensive review of the MCB’s mandate, performed in-depth SWOT and PESTLE analyses, and meticulously crafted a forward-looking strategic framework.
“This strategic plan is more than just a document; it’s a renewed commitment to the people of Marawi,” stated Mr. Pangcoga, reflecting on the collaborative spirit of the workshop. “We delved deep into the challenges, from operational bottlenecks and data complexities to external pressures and the critical need for public trust. The Board has articulated clear, actionable strategies to overcome these, ensuring a more efficient, transparent, and ultimately, a more just compensation process.”
A significant outcome of the workshop was the candid acknowledgment of the need to accelerate claims processing. While the MCB has processed a substantial number of claims, current projections indicate that concluding all 14,497 cases might extend beyond the Board’s current 2028 strategic target and its 2030 sunset clause. The Strategic Plan directly addresses this by outlining aggressive efficiency gains. It implicitly sets the stage for potential future legislative advocacy if the pace requires it to fulfill the mandate completely.
“The dedication of the MCB Board Members and staff during this workshop was truly commendable,” added Mr. Pangcoga. “Their commitment to refining processes, building internal capacity, and strengthening external partnerships is a testament to their resolve to deliver on the promise of compensation for Marawi’s resilient people.”
The SUBATRA Programme, through its implementing partner DT Global, supports the BARMM in its transition efforts, recognizing the critical role of the MCB in the region’s overall recovery and peacebuilding.