The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Eastern Visayas turned over 35 housing units to residents of Barangay Binongtoan, Culaba, Biliran, on March 27 under the Modified Shelter Assistance Project (MSAP).
The houses were built for families affected by Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in 2014 and were funded through the Modified Shelter Assistance Program. Each unit cost PHP 70,000, totaling PHP 2,450,000 for all 35 houses. Beneficiaries also received PHP 1,950 each under the Cash for Work program, bringing the total project cost to PHP 2,518,250.
The project, which started in February 2017, faced delays but was completed with the support of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Culaba, which provided 3,631.50 square meters of land worth PHP 2 million and PHP 270,000 in financial assistance.
The Office of the Congressman of Biliran also provided additional funding, while the Biliran Electric Cooperative (BILECO) ensured electricity in the housing units.
Bebilyn Luna, president of the MSAP Beneficiaries Association, expressed her gratitude for the project’s completion. “Even with all the challenges, we are thankful to be part of this project. Now, we finally have homes of our own and can start building a better community,” she said.
Culaba Mayor Humphrey B. Olimba emphasized the beneficiaries’ role in maintaining their houses and community. “The project had many setbacks, but with the help of partners like the Biliran Electric Cooperative (BILECO), Office of the Congressman of Biliran, and your [beneficiaries] efforts, it is now finished. I encourage you to take care of your homes and work together to improve your community,” he said.
Meanwhile, DSWD Subfield Office – Biliran Team Leader Ma. Theresa Leonora Costelo assured the beneficiaries of continued support from the agency, specially in times of disaster.
The turnover ceremony was also attended by the technical staff from the Disaster Response Management Division, Office of the Congressman of Biliran, and the Sangguniang Bayan of Culaba.
