MANILA, Feb. 4, 2013— Caritas Philippines’ rehabilitation work is underway to help victims recover from Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) which struck Mindanao last December.
The Church’s social action arm said it will prioritize typhoon-ravaged areas in Cateel, Davao Oriental and in Gabi, Siocon, New Alegria and Laak, all in the province of Compostela Valley.
Destroyed coconut and banana plantations in the region has deprived thousands of families of livelihood.
With the support of its local and international partners, the agency initially continues to provide survival kits containing food and other basic needs.
“The project will eventually move towards recovery efforts and distributing shelter materials for the construction of better homes,” the Caritas said.
Caritas Philippines is the international name of the CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social Action—Justice and Peace (Nassa).
The agency is also designing a comprehensive development program as a response to the victims’ clamor for livelihood after the typhoon decimated their major crops – coconut and banana.
Caritas’ Special Humanitarian Team recently made another visit to the typhoon’s calamity-stricken areas last Jan. 21 to 25.
As part of its preliminary preparations for the Early Rehabilitation project, the team made a return visit to Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.
The team also met with the Diocesan Social Action Directors and other humanitarian groups to coordinate assistance to communities still reeling from the aftermath of Typhoon Bopha last 4 December 2012. (CBCPNews)
