CATEEL, DAVAO ORIENTAL May 12 (PIA)- As the Provincial Government broadened its partnership in addressing the shelter needs for typhoon-affected residents in the east coast, the Philippine Army has become a prominent partner in the implementation ofthese construction projects.
On Wednesday May 7, the Provincial Government together with the Philippine Army turned over thirty-one newly built homes , out of the 100 houses currently under construction, to its respective beneficiaries at the Community Recovery Assistance Center in Brgy. Alegria in Cateel.
The construction and administrative costs were funded under the Modified Shelter Assistance Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the relocation site was acquired by the provincial government and the Philippine Army’s 534th Engineer Battalion under the 52nd Engineer Brigade took charge of the labor counterpart.
Lt. Col. Anthony Cacayuran, Battalion Commander of the 534th Engineer Construction Battalion, said the housing project was started on August last year over the request of Governor Corazon Malanyaon to fast track provision of shelters.
“Who am I to refuse a governor who has been very supportive to the programs and efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.
Over the course of their stay, LTC Cacayuran told they have learned new strategies in terms of housing construction. He said this project had served as a venue for newly enlisted soldiers to learn new technologies and strategies on the trade.
Meanwhile, 701st Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., who also called for assistance fromthe army’s engineering brigade, said that the army’s role in this endeavor is to help the provincial government address its goal of providing stable and permanent housing to the thousands of typhoon-affected families in the east coast.
His request, which immediately drew in engineer units to the area, was addressed under the direction of BGEN Reynaldo Mutiangpili, commanding officer of the 52nd Engineer Brigade,to help in the construction of public infrastructures such as schools and most recently houses for the typhoon victims.
During the turn over ceremony, BGEN Mutiangpilisaid that he is thankful to the provincial government, who gave the Philippine Army an opportunity to lend a helping hand, especially in rendering their service to the people, whom they are bound to serve and protect.
“Ito po ay trabaho namin. Hindi po ito hanapbuhay kundi serbisyo para sa nangangailangan. This [construction] is our job. This is not a source of income for us but a way to offer our services to those in need,” he said.
Aside from the engineering brigade of the Philippine Army, the 67th Infantry Battalion headed then by LTC Krishnamurti Mortela, former commanding officer of the battalion, also engaged in several housing construction in the towns of Boston and Baganga.
Meanwhile, Governor Malanyaon lauded the efforts of the Philippine Army, whose presence were always felt every step of the way— from disaster response to relief operations and up to recovery and rehabilitation.
“I cannot thank you enough for all you’ve done for us,” she told the Philippine Army, who had been working efficiently alongside partners, including local authorities and non-government organizations in the implementation of different development programs in the communities.
The Philippine Army’s staunch advocacy in the implementation of government programs and as an active partner in development had greatly contributed in keeping peace and security in the province, thus, made it insurgency-free.
Before the ceremonial turnover of keys and certificate of occupancy, Governor Malanyaonplanted trees near the housing site in a hope that the community would develop and progress alongside the trees that would eventually grow. Joining her are the top officials of the Philippine Army and local government unit, including the new 67th IB Commander, LTC Micheal Banua and Cateel Mayor Camilo Nuñez. (PIO)
No comments:
Post a Comment