PERMANENT SHELTERS.  Julian F. Pregon of Lambajon, Baganga town in Davao Oriental shows off his Certificate of Occupancy following the recent turnover of additional 1255 permanent shelters for ‘Pablo’ survivors in the towns of Boston, Cateel and Baganga.

The homes were constructed through the DSWD Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP) as part of the continuing rehabilitation program of the Department in partnership with the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental where the national government funds the project and the provincial government takes charge of site development, land preparation and engineering expertise.

To date, 15874 shelters have already been completed in the province.

Director Priscilla N. Razon of DSWD said that although building shelters in such a massive scale is no easy job, the strong support of the provincial government made its implementation a lot easier.

The permanent shelters are structurally-strong and environment-friendly units which can withstand wind velocities up to 180 kph, intensity four (4) earthquakes, flooding and other similar hazards.

Shelter beneficiaries are also organized into Neighborhood Association for Shelter Assistance (NASA) which initiates community activities and forms community structures to help the village grow.

Also turned over were 34 units constructed by the 534^th Engineering Company Battalion under the 52^nd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) and some private companies have also been building permanent homes in ‘Pablo’ hard-hit areas.

The new homes symbolize security, progress, opportunities and new beginnings for Typhoon Pablo survivors. DSWD (with reports from DavOr PIO)