“DSWD invested 39 million. But the beneficiaries have invested more,” remarked DSWD OIC Regional Director Yvonne Serrano-Abonales during the turn over ceremony at Pope Francis Village. “We used the Core Shelter Assistance Project (CSAP) modality. This means teamwork. This means the Bayanihan spirit.”
Recently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development celebrated the turnover of several housing units of the Pope Francis Village to its beneficiaries. The Pope Francis Village is a community/housing project for Yolanda survivors whose homes were completely washed out by the supertyphoon.
Construction of the units started last April 5, 2016, with a total of 550 target units. Currently, 352 units have been completed, 154 units are still under construction and 44 are still under planning. This was funded by various agencies, both from the government and from non-government organizations.
DSWD had invested P39,572,500 for the construction of these units. This includes a Cash-For-Work component for several beneficiaries, who were paid P1,950 (P195.00 daily for 10 days) for the construction of these units.
“We will continue to provide the technical assistance. Our engineer will be here to provide us the necessary tools to finish the remaining units,” RD Serrano-Abonales added.
Furthermore, she encouraged the beneficiaries, especially the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to lead in maintaining the cleanliness of the village.
Also present was former DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, who extended her congratulations to the beneficiaries and encouraged them to continue working to develop the village. “Marami pa tayong kailangang gawin. Kasama ninyo ako bilang pribadong mamayan, kasama ng mga NGOs dito. Tatapusin natin ang 550 na mga bahay!”
