TACLOBAN CITY, July 18 (PNA)- For super typhoon Yolanda survivors in this city, having a decent place to live gives them dignity.
“Thank you so much because finally I have my own house to live happily and comfortably,” said one the project recipients Rosalinda Montejo.
The PHP294,000 worth of housing project is a donation of energy firm AES Corporation represented by AES Strategic Business Unit President Scott Kicker in partnership with Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Philippines led by Chief Executive Officer Charlie Ayco and the city government here.
According to HFH, each of the 25 housing unit donated to the selected family is disaster resilient and could withstand winds of up to 250 kilometer per hour. The shelter units were also built within a well-planned community that incorporates a daycare center, sports facilities, and other community amenities.
Each shelter unit measures 25 square meters, good enough for a family of five to seven members, according to Engr. Alexander Ang.
“We don’t view this as charity. We view this as a sort of the start of something new for all of you,” Kicker said. “And the challenge I give all of you, this provide you a foundation and it’s something for you to build on. For this to work you have to do your part.”
Sharon Gerez, a mother of five, expressed gratitude by promising that she will take good care of their new house.
Through partnerships with non-profit organizations focused on community development, the project dubbed as Kawayanville will also incorporate livelihood development programs as well as values formation for the development of the community’s well-being.
Ted Jopson, community affairs officer of the city housing office, said that there are still 12,433 people living in bunkhouses and transitional houses, but have been gradually relocated to the provided locations.
AES’ contribution is part of HFH Philippines’ aim to complete 369 homes in district of Kawayanville by November 2015. (PNA)