They do not mind waiting, in fact, they are thankful of the government’s constant support for them and the rest of Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

The Arbas couple is among the 366 families identified as beneficiaries of the housing units at the permanent relocation site in Barangay Pago. They are also recipients of cash grants under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

They used to live in the coastal barangay of San Roque where all houses were washed out by a storm surge at the height of ‘Yolanda’ on November 8, 2013.

Arneldo recalled spending more than two hours floating on the deep murky water during the typhoon.

Since then, the Arbas family lived in tents in Brgy. Canramos.

Housing project

Soon, Arneldo and Felisa will get their new home through the joint housing project of the government and the private sector.

Last month, officials of the National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Gawad Kalinga, and the municipal government signed the agreement for the implementation of the housing project.

Each beneficiary will be given a two-storey house with a floor area of 36-sq. meters. The house will have a loft and kitchen as well as water and power connections.

Mayor Pelagio Tecson said that Gawad Kalinga donated the 2.4-hectare lot for the housing project.

Under the project, the beneficiaries take part in the construction of their houses.

For their part, Arneldo and Felisa help in monitoring the volunteers.

“Sa ngayon, gumagawa kami dito araw-araw para mas mabilis na maitayo ang mga bahay (Right now, we work here everyday so that the houses will be built faster),” Felisa said.

Another volunteer, Dolores Leiros, 70, said, “Matanda na ako, kaya nakakatulong lang ako dalawang beses sa isang linggo mula alas-otso ng umaga hanggang alas-singko ng hapon, pero masaya ako at mabibigyan ako ng bahay (I am old, so I only volunteer twice a week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, but I am happy to be receiving a new home).”

Self-reliant community

Mayor Tecson added that the relocation site will have pavements and vital community facilities such as school, community center, basketball court, and access roads.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Marina Tolibas also shared that her office has conducted community organizing activities for the beneficiaries to prepare them for their responsibilities, not only in the construction, but in keeping a wholesome and self-reliant community.

Gawad Kalinga Project Manager, Manny Santos, revealed that two more shelter sites will soon be set up for other disaster victims residing in “No Dwelling Zones”. These will be in Barangays Maribi and Sacme.

Visit

Recently, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman accompanied Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Bill Tweddell, for an ocular visit to the area.

The Australian Government will extend additional P403 million to assist local government units and communities affected by ‘Yolanda’.

Sec. Soliman was pleased that the national and local governments as well as the private sector continue to work together in helping provide permanent homes for the disaster victims.

The Secretary was doubly pleased upon seeing  the  smiles on the faces of shelter beneficiaries as she and Ambassador Tweddell interacted with them. ###