MANILA, Feb. 27, 2015— At least 1,790 new shelters were constructed and 205 houses were repaired as Caritas Philippines’ three-year master plan to rebuild areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda plan is well underway, with phase one nearing completion this March.
At least 1,790 new shelters were constructed and 205 houses were repaired as part of Caritas Philippines’ three-year master plan for super typhoon Yolanda rehabilitation. (Photo: NASSA)
Archbishop Rolando Tirona, Caritas Philippines national director, said this is just the beginning of the three-year program, which started last April across nine dioceses severely affected by Yolanda.
Continuing commitment
“This is the realization of our commitment to rehabilitate the lives of the survivors after the typhoon’s devastation. Our dream to rebuild resilient communities is slowly coming to life,” Tirona said.
Based on the third quarter report, water system and sanitation facilities, as well as hygiene promotion trainings were also provided to 36,913 individuals.
The agency, more locally known as the National Secretariat for Social Action-Justice and Peace (Nassa) said there were also 54,810 beneficiaries of various livelihood assistance and trainings.
Funding support from Caritas Internationalis for the first phase alone, which ends this coming March, amounts to 9.7 million euros or around Php 580 million and has so far reached more than 101,000 survivors in Leyte, Western Samar, Eastern Samar, Palawan, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo and Cebu.
Of these, Php 364.9 million have already been spent and accounted for as of December 2014.
‘Poorest of the poor’ survivors
“On the second year, we are hoping to continue this worthwhile endeavour through the help of our partners and donors,” Tirona added.
The #REACHPhilippines (Recovery Assistance to Vulnerable Communities Affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines) is deemed as the most massive recovery program led by the Church in the Yolanda-hit areas. The beneficiaries were among the poorest of the poor and the least served by government and other non-government organizations.
The Nassa said it was also the fastest emergency appeal responded to by more than 30 Caritas Internationalis member organizations.
“We make sure that transparent and honest spending is being observed at both the national and diocesan levels. That is why we have institutionalized financial monitoring and evaluation policies by regular monitoring and evaluation each quarter, by national and international auditors,” Tirona said.
Caritas Philippines is among the leading church-based agencies working to help Yolanda survivors. (Roy Lagarde/CBCPNews)
