New homes of ‘Pablo’ survivors in Davao Oriental.
DAVAO CITY – In its continuing rehabilitation efforts, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the provincial governments of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, has to date completed a total of 2303 permanent homes for survivors of Tropical Storm Pablo.
“These completed units are part of the First and Second Tranche target of 3966. Construction of the remaining 1663 is still ongoing. Of those completed, 1265 are in Compostela Valley while 1038 were built in Davao Oriental,” said Director Priscilla N. Razon, DSWD.
The initial housing units were constructed in the municipalities of Compostela-247, Laak-202, Monkayo-573, Montevista-97, New Bataan-146, Boston-27, Cateel-526 and Baganga-485, Director Razon said. “For these two tranches, the national government through DSWD has spent Php 301,020,000.00 while the provincial government takes charge of site development, land preparation and engineering expertise.”
The 3rd and final tranche is expected to yield some 28,677 units -11383 for Compostela Valley and 17,294 for Davao Oriental. The overall cost of the DSWD Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP) is Php 2.3 billion, Director Razon explained.
Provided to families left homeless by calamities, the core units are resistant to disasters and built with concrete and good lumber.
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.
Families whose original homes were situated in ‘no build’ zones [per assessment of the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau] were relocated in resettlement areas [off site] where basic facilities like water, electricity and road network have also been accessed.
Apart from DSWD, the National Housing Authority (NHA) has also been building permanent homes in the hard-hit areas, 1000 units in every town. (DSWD)
