CATEEL, DAVAO ORIENTAL –On Monday, February 24th, President Benigno S. Aquino III started commemorating the 28th EDSA Revolution Anniversary as he joined over 3000 survivors of Typhoon Pablo in a gathering dubbed Pulong-Bayan sa Cateel held at the Municipal Plaza with the theme Kapit-Bisig Tungo sa Pagbangon.
Pres. Aquino meet up with the initial 520 permanent housing beneficiaries who are now occupying new homes after losing their homes to Tropical Storm Pablo in December 2012.
The President also saw the beneficiaries of other government programs like Rice Processing Center, Rehabilitation of Community Facilities, Hot Pablo Chili Production and Irrigation System.
In December last year, Pres. Aquino along with some members of his cabinet also inspected the 115 permanent homes in far-flung Barangay Kidawa in Laak town, Compostela Valley.
Constructed through the DSWD Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP), the core units are disaster-resistant and made of concrete and good lumber. These units are provided to families victimized by calamities.
Each unit covers a lot area of 70 square meters, installed with a two-room division, painted inside and out, with bathroom and septic tank, separate kitchen, and window-level concrete wall.
According to Director Priscilla N. Razon of DSWD, MSAP is funded by DSWD while site development, land preparation and engineering expertise are being provided by the provincial government.
“We are happy to report that a total of 2145 units have already been completed in Davao Region -1038 in Davao Oriental and 1107 in the province of Compostela Valley,” Dir. Razon said.
MSAP is being implemented in the ‘Pablo’-hard-hit towns of Compostela, Laak, Monkayo, Montevista, New Bataan, Cateel, Baganga, Boston and Caraga.
The DSWD is targeting to build 3,966 permanent homes on 1st and 2nd Tranche in relocation sites determined safe for housing by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
DSWD confirmed that a total of P301,020,000.00 cost of assistance has been spent in building these homes.
With the ongoing construction in the two provinces, more units will be completed soon. (DSWD)