China formally handed over on Tuesday, October 24, brand new heavy equipment intended for use in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City.
In handover ceremonies at the Department of Public Workers and Highways, Secretary Mark Villar received from Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua the eight units ach of excavators, wheel loaders, dump trucks, and cement mixers; and five units each of compactors, track type tractors, and bulldozers.
The donation also included one container van.
“On behalf of the Philippine government, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for these brand new heavy equipment that are essential as we aim for the fast recovery of Marawi City,” Villar was quoted in a statement as telling Zhao.
“The handover ceremony today is another hallmark of the strong levels of support, collaboration, and cooperation between China and the Philippines,” he added.
DPWH Region 10 director Virgilio C. Eduarte said the first batch of Chinese equipment arrived in Iligan City on October 9.
The DPWH as the lead agency of the Task Force Bangon Marawi Reconstruction Sub-Committee and is also a member of the Housing Sub-committee, specifically responsible for the site development of transitory shelters.
