The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VIII has completed the turnover of 281 core shelter units to beneficiaries in Hilongos, Leyte. These beneficiaries are families whose houses were destroyed during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
In 2021, 207 units had already been turned over to families in Barangays San Juan, San Agustin, Baliw, and Utanan. To complete the project, 74 units were given to families in Barangay San Antonio. The turnover ceremony on July 19, 2024, included the distribution of Certificates of Ownership, represented by Lucia G. Balantad, Division Chief of the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD).
The construction began nine years ago with a total fund allocation of PHP 20,217,950.00. Each core shelter costs PHP 70,000.00, totaling PHP 19,760,000.00 for all 281 shelters. Each beneficiary also received PHP 1,950 for the Cash for Work component, totaling PHP 547,950.00.
The Core Shelter Assistance Program (CSAP) provides disaster-affected families with environment-friendly and structurally strong housing units that can withstand 220 kph wind velocity, earthquakes up to intensity 4 on the Richter scale, and other similar natural hazards. The housing units are built in relocation sites identified by the local government unit of Hilongos.
“Dako ni nga tabang sa mga taga-Brgy. San Antonio kay naa na gyud permanente og lig-on nga kapuy-an,” said the Brgy. Chairperson of San Antonio, who also thanked all the agencies and partners involved in the completion of the housing program.
The turnover ceremony was also attended by Municipal Engineer Engr. Jose M. Viscara, Municipal Legal Officer Atty. Josef Fulache, Brgy. Chairperson Hon. Francisco M. Perido, Sangguniang Bayan Member Hon. Bernadeth Nerves, and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) Lenart T. Jabillo.
