MACARTHUR, Leyte—The Philippine Red Cross(PRC) has continued the promotion of community resilience in areas hit by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in 2013 through the distribution of safe and durable housing units.
Senator Richard Gordon, PRC chairman, said they remain “committed to helping people get back on their feet” as he led the inauguration and turnover ceremony of another 48 permanent shelters to storm victims in Barangay Villa Imelda, this town, on August 18.
“We came here to honor you. We’re here to strengthen each other,” said Gordon who was accompanied by American Red Cross Country representative Shir Shah Ayobi, local officials and other Red Cross volunteers.
Gordon said that the Villa Imelda relocation site is built with 24 duplex housing units with a multipurpose hall, 14 community solar lights, a drain system, and individual household-water connection.
Recipients of the housing units were families who were affected by the declaration of no-dwelling or no-build zones in the area.
In his speech, Gordon thanked the coordinated efforts of the volunteers from the agency’s “Tindog Leyteño Tabang Program” and the recipients on the success of the community.
Tindog Leyteño Tabang Program is a four-year program of the Red Cross and is behind in the identifying and addressing various factors that will help people sustainably rebuild their lives, livelihoods and assets while ensuring that future climate, environmental and disaster-related risks are addressed or minimized.
It covers six sectors comprising health, shelter, water and sanitation, livelihood and disaster risk reduction.
With a funding amount of P868 million, the program covers 23 barangays in Alangalang, Mayorga, Tacloban City, and this town.
According to the PRC, the program already reached 26, 820 individuals and 5, 364 households.
The program also brought training to 5, 338 individuals, 113 staff and volunteers trained, 4, 419 students, and assistance to 18 schools.
(RONALD O. REYES)
