Pru Life UK, Prudence Foundation turn over disaster-resilient homes in Bantayan Island

MANILA, Philippines - British life insurer Pru Life UK, through its regional charitable arm Prudence Foundation and in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity Philippines (Habitat), recently led the turnover of disaster-resilient homes to survivors of typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in Barangay Maricaban, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu.

The 64 homes turned over to the home partners are the first batch of the 133 shelter houses constructed by Prudential agent- and employee-volunteers from 12 Asian countries and the United Kingdom during the three-part Regional PruVolunteer Program held in 2014 and 2015. The program is part of a US$2-million commitment of Prudence Foundation to support the relief and long-term recovery effort in areas affected by the super typhoon.

“We are very thankful that our municipality was chosen to be the beneficiary of Prudence Foundation and Habitat for their disaster recovery initiative. It is a wonderful partnership founded by sincerity in sharing what they have and helping those who are in need,” said Santa Fe mayor Jose Esgana during the turnover.

Thanking Mayor Esgana, the local government, and Habitat for their support in implementing the disaster recovery program, Prudence Foundation executive director Marc Fancy said: “Life insurance is about protection. We hope that these houses provide you with the same protection as you continue to recover from the effects of the typhoon.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we sincerely wish our home partners a secure future,” headded.

The housing support is part of the continuing response of Prudence Foundation in helping residents of Bantayan Island to recover from the aftermath of Yolanda. Last year, a contribution of 183 motorized boats with fishing nets and 140 pedicabs were turned over to residents as part of its sustainable livelihood support to typhoon survivors.

Prudence Foundation trustee and Pru Life UK president and CEO Antonio Manuel de Rosas emphasized the role of the private sector in contributing to nation-building. “We believe that we should be part of nation-building and do what we can to help make economic growth inclusive to the majority of the population. One of the basic needs to be able to participate or contribute to inclusive growth is shelter, and we are grateful to Habitat for helping us address this need for the Yolanda survivors in Bantayan.”

The disaster-resilient core shelter houses turned over to the home partners can withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes and winds of up to 275 kilometers per hour.

The Regional PruVolunteer Program is an initiative by Prudence Foundation in partnership with local NGOs to help provide meaningful, sustainable and long-term assistance in times of disaster.