It has been eight years since the Marawi siege which shocked the world as local terrorists attacked the southern part of the country. I remember quite well it made headlines around the world and the country’s leaders were in Russia at the time on a state visit and had to cut their trip short.

I was a defense reporter then and was sent to the frontlines to cover the situation on the ground. Flights to the south were canceled so my cameraman Bacit (may his soul rest in peace) and I flew in a military C-130 together with the soldier reinforcements from Luzon.

Just like the soldiers, we slept where the soldiers slept (on the airport floor, on the grass, along the road), we ate what they ate (DSWD biscuits, coffee made from rice) --- it was like a scene from a war movie I never thought I would get myself into.

We almost got shot after the army truck we were on started advancing and received enemy fire. I dropped down in the truck and took cover behind the 55-kg bags of the soldiers. Our soldiers were among the bravest and kept us all safe on the first night.

We stayed in the admin building of the 1st Infantry Division and from there I wrote the news from the ground in real time. In the quiet moments, I would look at the faces of the soldiers bravely fighting for the country, staking their lives, their faith unmatched.

Later, I saw the innocent civilians getting killed; families begging for help to be evacuated; the lifeless bodies of those who resisted; the homes that became targets and the sniper positions. The smell of blood and the thud of stray bullets hitting the walls and office doors were part of our days. These are all in my core memories now, but looking back I vividly remember the events — what I saw, heard and felt.

Victory came after months of battle but recovery from the war took a while. The pandemic came, and many events happened in between. Fast forward to 2025. Marawi has recovered — from the new mosque, to the rebuilt homes, new roads, new sources of livelihood, and even a new port.

Yes, the Marawi port is now fully operational again. From what was a dangerous part of Marawi that served as the transportation hub and access point for supplies of the enemy, there is now a new port to serve the community and help with the livelihood of the people living around the famous Lake Lanao.

In fact, last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Philippine Port Authority (PPA) general manager Jay Santiago inspected the newly constructed Port of Marawi, a major government infrastructure project aimed at restoring connectivity and accelerating economic recovery in the city eight years after the 2017 siege.

Marawi continues on its determined journey toward recovery. The scars of war are still visible in many parts of the city, but progress is happening as time goes on, quietly, steadily, and now visibly through a port that aims to restore not just connectivity, but dignity.

Constructed under the Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Peacebuilding Program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Marawi Rehabilitation and Development, the port is seen as a game-changer for the region.

With ₱261.5 million in total funding, the project includes the Marawi Fish Port, forming a strategic twin facility aimed at enhancing both passenger and cargo movements. Key features of the new port include an 8,000-square-meter backup area for operations, a modern passenger terminal building, a dedicated fish port, and facilities for fast craft vessels and RoRo operations.

Before this development, local communities depended solely on a small, makeshift causeway for their transport and livelihood needs. Now, with the port nearing full operational status, residents and traders can look forward to easier, safer, and more efficient mobility whether for bringing goods to market or visiting relatives across the lake.

The port is not just a part of the story, but a battle scar from the war that emerged to serve its new purpose — rebuilding to create better lives, replacing the traumatic experiences, and remembering those who lay down their lives for the country.

It is more than an infrastructure rebuilt; it is a symbol of a promise and a commitment to Marawi that the country has not forgotten you over the years. A part of our past, and a huge part of our future. Lake Lanao, the country’s second largest lake, is now a strategic hub for trade, tourism and connection.

From what the bullets could not destroy sprang a bright future — the hope and faith of the people that will stand resolute over the years. It is all part of our history now, but also a part of our future — for we are all in the same boat.