MARAWI CITY, May 24 (PIA) -- The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has started to roll out satellite markets and mobile stores here to address food security during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The two satellite markets are now operating in Sagonsongan and Boganga transitory sites to bring basic commodities to around 2,000 internally displaced families, as well as, families originally residing in the barangays located in the periphery of the city.

Mobile stores will also go around 10 identified distant barangays on specific days.

"This activity is part of the response project of UN-HABITAT because, during this pandemic time, there is a necessity to help Marawi again," said UN-Habitat Project Manager Warren C. Ubungen.

The three-month project dubbed "Covid-19 Response As We Rebuild Marawi" is funded by the UN-Habitat's Global Emergency Response Fund. It is being implemented in partnership with the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), City Government of Marawi, and Marawi Sultanate League.

Ubungen said one component of the project is providing easy access to food and basic commodities at the lowest possible cost. "Mamimili kami sa Iligan, dadalhin dito, at ibebenta at cost. Magkano nabili yan sa Iligan, yun din ang benta natin dito," he added.

TFBM Field Office Manager Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr. said the setting-up of satellite markets and mobile stores will not only help displaced families in the transitory shelter, but it is also an opportunity for the cooperatives to sell and make a living.

This emergency response project complements UN-Habitat's existing project Rebuilding Marawi as it taps its organized livelihood cooperatives and homeowners associations to operate the satellite markets and mobile stores.

"Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa UN-Habitat sa patuloy nilang pagtulong (We are very grateful to UN-Habitat for their continuous assistance)," said Abdulrahman Mangondacan, a member of the cooperative that will operate one of the mobile stores.

The UN-Habitat emergency response project was launched on April 27, 2020 with the turnover of the first tranche of personal protective equipment and disinfectant supplies to the city government of Marawi for distribution to frontliners, especially those assigned in the quarantine checkpoints. The other components of the project are set to be implemented in the coming days. (APB/PIA ICIC)