The Office of the Chief Minister's Marawi Rehabilitation Program (OCM-MRP) has officially launched its distribution of one-time cash assistance to support education for displaced learners in Marawi City. On Monday, February 9, 2026, the program began providing P5,000 each to 1,500 high school students from internally displaced persons (IDP) families, marking a significant step in the ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
Initial Distribution and Program Details
During the initial phase of the distribution held at the MRP management office, 300 high school students received their cash grants. The remaining qualified beneficiaries are scheduled to receive their assistance in the coming days, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all eligible participants. This initiative is designed to help ease education-related expenses and encourage displaced learners to remain in school as Marawi continues its long-term recovery process.
Statements from Program Officials
Said Shiek, a Member of Parliament in the Bangsamoro region and concurrent MRP manager, emphasized the importance of this assistance in a recent statement. "As one of the mujahideen who fought for our rights for more than 40 years—and who will continue to fight for it for the sake of the younger generation—I hope this small assistance will help them, and future generations, reach their dreams," Shiek said. He added that the initiative reflects the gains of peace and the moral governance now enjoyed in the region, highlighting its role in post-conflict development.
Expansion Plans for Educational Support
Engineer Abdulhanif Ondi, MRP supervising head, revealed that the education assistance program will extend beyond secondary students. Following the completion of payouts for high school beneficiaries, 1,500 qualified college-level IDP students are set to receive P10,000 each this semester. Additionally, future distributions will include:
- 1,500 qualified IDP educators from both formal schools and madrasahs receiving P5,000 each
- Elementary-level IDP students receiving school supply kits at a later date
Broader Mandate and Impact
This cash assistance initiative forms part of the OCM-MRP's broader mandate to assist internally displaced persons and strengthen access to education as a key pillar of Marawi's post-conflict recovery and development. By targeting multiple levels of the education system—from elementary to college students and educators—the program aims to create a sustainable support network that fosters long-term stability and growth in the region. The distribution underscores the government's commitment to addressing the needs of displaced communities while promoting educational continuity amid ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
