Gov. Arturo T. Uy [second from right] leads the kick-off ceremonies for the emergency shelter.

Compostela Valley –The Provincial Government of Compostela Valley recently held a ceremonial kick-off for its Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) for Typhoon Pablo Victims in New Bataan ,Compostela and Montevista.

Leading the ceremonies, Governor Arturo T. Uy was joined by the beneficiaries; provincial, municipal and barangay officials; and Department of Social Welfare and Development Policy and Plans Division Chief Raquel E. Nuñez.

The DSWD through its Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) provided the housing materials like G.I. sheets, plywood, lumber, umbrella nails and assorted common nails. The DSWD-ESA is extended to families whose houses were partially damaged by Typhoon Pablo. The ESA is likewise provided to victims of other disasters.

This initiative is part of the 139 million funds for Emergency Shelter Assistance for all partially damaged houses in the affected areas of Typhoon Pablo. ESA for Compostela Valley is P 50.56 million with 5056 beneficiary-families.

Governor Uy expressed his earnest gratitude to the department for the continuous support provided to the victims. He also encouraged the victims to bounce back, rebuild their lives and persevere. “Though government has programs for us but I encourage you to have initiatives to move forward and continue living a normal life.”

Analyn Amada, 33, of Brgy. San Jose conveyed her happiness for the materials received. ”Lipay gyud kami kay mabutngan na gyud og atop amoang balay nga hangtod karon trapal pa amoang ginabutang para maprotektahan mi sa ulan ug init (We are very happy that they provided us materials to rebuild our rooftop because until now we are using tarpaulin as temporary roofing materials  to protect us from the heat and rain).

Nuñez said that this is just a start of the distribution of materials. Other barangays of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental will receive the ESA as scheduled. “ESA is just one part of the rehabilitation phase for the victims. The government continues to work in helping these provinces recover from the impact of the disaster.” DSWD