3,505 permanent shelters turned over to typhoon Pablo victims

NEW BATAAN, Compostela Valley Nov 25 (PIA) Task Force Pablo chair Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras led the National Housing Authority and local government officials in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental in the distribution of 3,505 houses for the victims of typhoon Pablo in separate turn-over ceremonies in New Bataan, Compostela Valley and Cateel, Davao Oriental, respectively.

A total of 2,967 units were turned over to the affected families in Compostela Valley while 538 housing units were turned over in Cateel, Davao Oriental.

The house and lot package is worth Php220, 000 duplex-type housing in a 60-meter lot, implemented under the rehabilitation program of the NHA.

Almendras said the distribution of houses proves the fact that when both the national government and local government work together, nothing is impossible.

He lauded the leadership of Governor Arthur Uy of Compostela Valley and Governor Corazon Malanyaon of Davao Oriental for spearheading the local efforts in relief and rehabilitation.

Almendras said the national government just made true its commitments after typhoon hit Davao Region to make affected communities become resilient.

“No one would be left behind in the provision of food.  We will help you rebuild and we will help you rebuild your homes,” he said.

He said the national government is so fortunate that it has good partners here from the provincial government down to the municipal and barangay level.

Almendras said the Task Force Pablo was not hard to do because of the cooperation it got from all levels of government.

“Today is a testimony of building back better,” he said.

Compostela Valley Governor Arthur Uy said the turn-over of houses indicates the realization of the government’s commitment to help the victims of the typhoon Pablo, particularly those who lost their homes in the onslaught of the storm in December 2012.

He thanked President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for the completion of the project which has helped those who were displaced by the disaster.

Atty. Chito Cruz, general manager of the NHA assured to provide schools and playgrounds for the housing sites.

He said children must pursue their education close to their new homes.

Mayor Lorenzo Balbin Jr. of New Bataan felt relieved with the provision of new houses for the typhoon victims in his town.

He said looking through the happy faces of the beneficiaries brings joy and is very far from the sad situation during the typhoon’s aftermath.

“I am glad to hear the latest commitment of putting up a new school in Barangay San Roque which has 2,360 new houses.  This site also needs a health center, a basketball court for the residents,” Balbin said.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)