Housing program continues to aid Pablo survivors

DAVAO ORIENTAL, May 20, 2015 — Some 977 families in the typhoon Pablo-hit towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston recently received certificate of occupancy to their new homes funded under the Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP).

Turned over by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)and the Provincial Government, the provision of these new homes is part of the province’s Building Back Better Program which intends to rehabilitate the affected towns that were devastated by Super typhoon Pablo in 2012.

Housing beneficiaries expressed their thanks to both the provincial and national government for giving them the opportunity to have their own house which they say is 'much more comfortable and beautiful than their old house before the typhoon struck’. The beneficiaries added that these new houses have given them hope and motivation to work even more to improve their lives.

“As a parent, seeing my children comfortable in a home we can truly call our own gives me a lot of composure. I can now give more focus on my work without worrying about a place where my family can stay comfortably and secured,” says one beneficiary in Cateel.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, who spearheaded the ceremonial turn-over of certificate of occupancy, said these homes are symbol of security and new hope. Giving beneficiaries an opportunity to rebuild their lives, she added that these homes will further encourage the beneficiaries to dream more and dream big.

In her message, she encouraged the beneficiaries to also do their fair share in ‘building back better’ their town. She reminded the housing beneficiaries to take care of this ‘gift’ and become responsible stewards of such gifts. She also reminded them to be thankful no matter how big or small the aid given to them.

“Your leaders are merely instrument to help you get back on your feet but the rest depends entirely on you,” she told the beneficiaries. “This is a privilege given to you and you must take care of it,” she added.

Based on latest report from the DSWD, about 15,811 housing units were already implemented on the ground under the MSAP out of the 19,880 target. DSWD, however, assured that all housing units required will be completed before the year ends.

Gemma dela Cruz, DSWD XI Provincial Coordinator recognized the Provincial Government’s ‘great’ efforts in pushing for the completion of the housing project in the typhoon-hit towns.

She urged the beneficiaries to help make their communities more beautiful and peaceful as good communities can draw more assistance from the agency, particularly in terms of livelihood programs laid out by the DSWD.

More development

In terms of long-term development, Gov. Malanyaon highlighted the province’s emerging eco-tourism industry that has recently gained its place in the national limelight owing to the developments set up by the provincial government, particularly tourism facilities here.

First district representative Congressman Nelson Dayanghirang, who strongly backs the Provincial Government’s bid for eco-tourism development through provision of funds for the construction of road networks, said linking key tourism destinations to the rest of the province and neighboring provinces is one sure way to draw in more opportunities and investments here. This, thus, would help in the long-term development of the areas.

Dayanghirang said that for the year 2015, the government has allocated P256 million for the concreting of roads and P 11.5 million for road widening.

Seawall projects are also aligned in the towns of Cateel and Boston earmarked with a budget of P45million and P 50 million, respectively.

He assured the residents in his district that the completion of these road networks up to the province’s boundary will be fast tracked.

He further urged the people here to stay united in supporting the efforts of the Provincial Government for the development of the whole province. (PIO DAVOR)