Yolanda survivors to be evacuated for papal visit

MANILA, Philippines - Survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Leyte, who are staying in bunkhouses in Palo town will be relocated in preparation for Pope Francis’ visit in January, an official of the archdiocese of Palo, Leyte has confirmed.

Vicar general Fr. Rex Ramirez told CBCPNews, the official news service provider of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, that at least 250 of the families would be transferred to permanent homes.

“I had a meeting with Palo officials, and they informed me that the deadline for the relocation of Yolanda survivors is in November,” Ramirez said.

He said the Government Center in Candahug, where the bunkhouses were built, would be used during the papal visit from Jan. 15 to 19.

In case the permanent houses would not be finished in time for the papal visit, Ramirez said the affected families would be relocated to temporary shelters.

Meanwhile, Ramirez said preparations are underway for the first anniversary of Yolanda on Nov. 8. He said various activities are being planned by the archdiocese in coordination with the local government.