DPWH begins building bunkhouses for Yolanda victims

MANILA, Philippines - The national government has started building the initial 121 bunkhouses for the thousands of families affected by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Thursday.

The DPWH said the bunkhouses, equipped with a common bathroom and kitchen, are now being constructed in Leyte, Samar and Eastern Samar.

The agency said it is eyeing to build a total of 207 bunkhouses for the displaced victims.

In its report to DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson on Wednesday, the regional office in the Eastern Visayas said that construction has started for 39 bunkhouses in Tacloban City, 37 in other areas in Leyte, eight in Samar and 37 in Eastern Samar.

It said that 17 out of the 25 bunkhouses are being constructed in the town of Palo and 20 out of 44 in Ormoc City.

To date, four makeshift shelters are being erected in Basey and Marabut in Samar. A total of 18 bunkhouses will be constructed in each of the two towns.

The DPWH also reported said that for Eastern Samar, 15 bunkhouses are being constructed in Guiuan, six in Hernani and Borongan, three each in Giporlos and Salcedo, four each in Balangkayan and Quinapondan, two each in Lawaan and Balangiga and one each Mercedes and Maydolong.

The DPWH expects to complete all the bunkhouses by the third week of December.