DSWD recently conducted a turn-over ceremony for twenty-six core shelter units at Sitio Tagbaya, Barangay Lower Candag-on, in Burauen, Leyte.

These shelter units were built as part of the DSWD’s Core Shelter Assistance Project which aims to provide poor families rendered homeless by typhoon Yolanda. Construction on these houses began May, 2016 till December of same year. DSWD shouldered the cost of the structural unit amounting to Php 70,000 while the local government unit counterpart provided the lot. The beneficiaries provided the labor force.

These are structurally strong indigenous shelters which can withstand up to 220 kph wind velocity, earthquakes up to intensity 4 on the Richter scale, and other similar natural hazards.

In attendance were O.I.C. – Assistant Regional Director for Administration Marlene Kahano, Burauen Mayor Fe Renomeron, Leyte Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Clotilde Malatbalat, employees from the local government unit of Burauen, and the beneficiaries themselves who compose the Neighborhood Association for Shelter Assistance (NASA).

To be eligible, the beneficiaries should not be a recipient of any other housing assistance from any other individual groups or agency, government or non-government for the disaster. The monthly income should be below the food threshold (P10, 936 in urban and P9, 767 in rural areas).

The house should have been destroyed by the disaster, either man-made or natural, and the family is prevented from repairing or reconstructing their permanent shelters due to limited resources.

Also, the family should have a guarantee of ownership, permanent or long term occupancy of at least 10 years.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Engr. Evangeline A. Ty