Tacloban City, Leyte (February 6, 2014) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office VIII and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) led today the transfer  of some 50 families from Barangay Baloc 1 who were left homeless by Typhoon Yolanda to their temporary houses  at the Motocross also in this city.

This brings to 105 the total number of families who have already transferred to the bunkhouses constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the area.

On January 31, around 55 families who came from Barangay 88 Sitio Calubian also moved to the bunkhouses.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman flew here and visited them over the weekend.

Engaging the families in light banter, Sec. Soliman said, “Take good care of these houses. You are safer and better protected here from diseases and other dangers.”

A mother-beneficiary seconded the statement of the Secretary, saying, “Mabuti na lang at nilipat kami kasi natatakot na yung mga bata tuwing naririnig nilang lumalakas ang ulan pati yung hangin lalo na nung dumating ang Bagyong Basyang (Good thing they already transferred us here because the children are already scared of heavy rains and strong winds especially during Typhoon Basyang).”

DPWH is building at the area some 20 bunkhouses with 24 rooms.

Another seven units with 12 rooms are also being constructed.

Consuelo Shelter Foundation provided the solar pathway lights  through its Liters of Light Project to illuminate the area.

During her visit, Sec. Soliman also met with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) at the Provincial Capitol, where she emphasized the need to complete the temporary houses for survivors who are still staying in tents.

“We need to ensure that the families who are still living in tents will be transferred soon since as we all know we already had two typhoons,” the Secretary said.

Sec. Soliman was joined by humanitarian partners from the United Nations (UN) led by Luisa Carvalho, UN Humanitarian Coordinator to the Philippines.

For her part, Carvalho shared, “We can see how everybody is working. The UN group is here to help and complement government efforts.”  ###