CATEEL, Davao Oriental – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the provincial governments of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley turned over some 1,266 permanent shelter units to families whose houses were totally damaged  by Typhoon Pablo in December 2012.

The houses were constructed through the DSWD Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP).

To date, the Department has constructed 742 units in  Banganga, Boston, and this town in Davao Oriental as well as 524 in Compostela, New Bataan, Monkayo, Montevista, and Laak in Compostela Valley.

On Tuesday, December 17, DSWD and Davao Oriental province led by Gov. Cora Malanyaon initially awarded Titles and Certificates of Occupancy to 53 families in the newly-created Better Living Village in Barangay Madre De Cacao in this town.

Turnover of housing units in other areas will eventually follow within this month.

Earlier, at the December 4 commemoration of Typhoon Pablo, Gov. Malanyaon talking to victims said, “One year seemed too short to regain some semblance of normalcy and healing from our ‘Pablo’ experience,  yet, we have done and achieved so much.”

“All these would not have been possible without the unstinting and dedicated support of our partner agencies, both national and international, government and private.”

The governor lauded the quick response of the DSWD, Philippine Army and humanitarian organizations in working with the provincial government for the efficient delivery of relief goods to the affected areas up to the remotest villages. (DSWD/PIO DAVOR)