EU turns over 4,000 homes in Compostela, Davao Norte

MANILA, Philippines - “The road to recovery and reconstruction is easier when all the stakeholders actively participate – the affected families, local government units, international organizations and non-government organizations,” said European Union Ambassador Guy Ledoux at the recent turnover of certificates of ownership of homes made from traditional materials to 200 families from Barangays Mamunga, Macopa, Naboc and San Isidro from Compostela Valley.

They are part of a larger group of 4,000 families that have had their homes repaired or rebuilt thanks to the initiative of the European Union in collaboration with the Red Cross.

The European Union has provided 2.55 million euros (P150 million) in grants to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as well as the Spanish and the German Red Cross societies in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross to provide shelters to families affected by Typhoon Pablo.

Another 7.45 million euros (P440 million) was given to other organizations to provide for immediate needs of families affected by Pablo including food, water and sanitation, shelter, livelihood and medical care.

Ledoux pointed out that that families with damaged houses were given cash vouchers worth P10,000 with additional transport allowance to repair their homes. Those with totally damaged houses were provided with shelters costing between P30,000 to P75,000 which measure at least 20 square meters.

These shelters are constructed in lots either owned by the families themselves or in public lots assigned by the local government units. Lots are carefully selected to ensure that the shelters are built in hazard-free locations.

Ledoux emphasized that “the bulk purchase of materials and the involvement of the community in the construction of the homes (with the able support of engineers and skilled workers from the Red Cross) ensured efficient and cost-effective results.”

In the last half of 2013, the European Union provided 52.8 million euros (P3.1 billion) for families affected by Typhoons Pablo (10 million euros) and Yolanda (40 million euros), the Bohol earthquake (2.5 million euros) and the Zamboanga conflict (300,000 euros).

Typhoon Pablo hit Mindanao on Dec. 4, 2012, affecting the lives of more than six million people. By the time the storm dissipated, more 1,000 were reported killed and over 850 reported missing.

According to the UN, some 250,000 homes, public buildings and businesses were damaged or destroyed. Additionally, thousands of hectares of agricultural land have been devastated, including large coconut and banana plantations, leaving hundreds of thousands without food or income.