Yolanda victims getting new village soon

CEBU, Philippines - Apart from its efforts initiated to aid victims of typhoon Yolanda like providing food and clothing, the Archdiocese of Cebu is also doing its part in securing new homes for residents of northern Cebu whose houses were battered by the storm.

Father Charles Jayme, Cebu Archdiocese Relief and Rehabilitation Unit head, said that they target 2,500 houses to be built in northern Cebu.

The three-year project, in partnership with Caritas International, among other partners, is aimed to be completed in 2016.

Four villages will be built in both San Remigio and Bogo City, the chosen areas for Yolanda Villages.

In Bogo City, Barangay La Paz will have at least 60 units and Barangay Bungtod with 74 initial houses while in San Remigio, Barangay Tukop will have 27 model houses, which ground breaking was already done, and Sitio Lusaran, Barangay Hagnaya with 39 houses.

Father Jayme stressed that they are following international standards in creating disaster-resilient communities.

Each house costs P80,000 with a land area of 63 square meters and floor area of 20 square meters.

Onsite rehabilitation of homes is being done in Daanbantayan and recipient families must be able to present a tax declaration as proof  of  occupancy.

The town of Medellin will receive livelihood projects from the church and its partners.

For the initial phase, 10 families will be recipients of 10 piglets, another 10 households to get 10 chicks and 44 boats with nets and motor, specifically for residents of Barangay Kawit.

Jayme added that there are a total of nine dioceses in the entire Visayas affected by super typhoon Yolanda. — (FREEMAN)