MANILA - The government is looking to hire Marawi residents in the reconstruction of the war-torn city in an effort to rekindle economic activity there, a local official said Thursday.

"The biggest challenge is how to invigorate the economic life," said Lanao del Sur Crisis Management Committee spokesperson, Zia Alonto Adiong

"We can employ those that have been victimized by this war... Instead of getting outsiders to reconstruct Marawi City, we employ those that have been dislocated from their work and employment," Adiong told ANC's Top Story.

He added that authorities are also trying to set up a marketplace within the controlled area in Marawi, where locals can sell goods until normalcy returns to the city.

"Basically what we're trying to do here is the early recovery plan," he added.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), according to Adiong, is also extending livelihood assistance to returning Marawi residents.

Authorities are also looking at possible income from tourism since there are proposals to preserve some of the ruins of Marawi City, Adiong said.