Housing for Pablo victims continues
DAVAO ORIENTAL – 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 home 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.
Gov. 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.
In her message, she encouraged the beneficiaries to also do their fair share in ‘building back better’ their town. She reminded them to become responsible stewards of these gifts. She also told them to be thankful no matter how big or small the aid being given.
“Your leaders are merely instrument to help you get back on your feet but the rest depends entirely on you,” she told the beneficiaries.
Based on latest report from the DSWD, out of the 19,880 target housing units, some 15,811 were already completed. The DSWD, however, assured that all housing units required will be completed before the year ends.
Gemma dela Cruz, social welfare and development officer and provincial team leader, recognized the provincial government’s “great” efforts in pushing for the completion of the massive housing project in the typhoon-hit towns.
In terms of long-term development, Malanyaon cited 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.
Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang, who strongly sup- ports the province’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 longterm development of the areas.