Survivors to get jobs in cleanup

CEBU, Philippines - After the distribution of relief goods to super typhoon Yolanda victims in northern Cebu, the government is now focusing on helping them return to their normal lives.

The cash-for-work scheme is one of the programs that would be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7.

Nemia Antipala, DSWD assistant regional director, said they are now closely coordinating with officials of Bogo City and of the affected towns in northern Cebu on how to implement the scheme.

She said DSWD personnel have been deployed to record the number of damaged houses and of the typhoon victims, who are the target beneficiaries of the program.

Based on the data that would be gathered and in coordination with the local officials, DSWD-7 would come up with a plan that would be forwarded to its national office for approval.

Antipala hopes that they can start the program before the end of this year or early 2014.

“Mao na na karon ang atong sunod nga (That is our next) priority; dili lang ang paghatag kanila ug pagkaon kon dili nga mahatagan sila sa hustong kapuy-an ug kapanginabuhian (not just give them food but also proper shelter and livelihood),” she said.

She further said that aside from the national government, they can also get funds from the financial assistance of the international community.

According to Antipala, Habitat Foundation and Gawad Kalinga their office that  they  are  now focusing their assistance in providing houses to typhoon victims.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III is scheduled to meet with local officials from the affected localities, representatives from different non-governmental organizations, and the international community to discuss the implementation of the program.

Under the cash-for-work program, each beneficiary would be especially hired in the post-typhoon cleanup for a minimum wage similar to those working in the private sector.

Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, commander of the Central Command, said they would assist the DSWD in the implementation of the program down to the barangay level.

At present, Deveraturda said they are focusing on the transport of relief goods to affected areas in northern Cebu and in in Leyte, Samar, Iloilo, and Aklan.

More than 3,300 typhoon victims are currently staying in evacuation centers under the care of DSWD in northern Cebu.  (FREEMAN)