DSWD Targets Zero Tents in ‘Yolanda’ Areas by Yearend

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman vowed that all efforts are being exerted so that by December 30, none of the remaining survivors in all Yolanda-affected areas would be staying in tents and makeshifts.

In June 2014, there were still 3,219 families staying in tents and makeshift houses in Leyte and Samar. Now, majority of them have already been moved to safer transitional shelters.

Last week, Sec. Soliman visited Barangays 88, 89, and 90 in Tacloban City to check on the condition of families staying in tents.

During her visit, Sec. Soliman consulted the Chairmen of said barangays to discuss the residents’ transfer to transitional shelters.

DSWD in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been relocating the 138 families in Brgy. 88, in batches, to IPI and NHA bunkhouse communities, Badato Transitional Site, and to Villa Sophia Permanent Relocation Site. The transfers were done on October 30 and November 3. The last batch will be brought tomorrow, November 8.

On the other hand, there are still 257 families staying in tents in Brgys 89 and 90.

These families will be transferred to their on-site bunkhouses constructed by OXFAM and Green Mindanao by November 30.

Meanwhile, Sec. Soliman reported that there are no more families staying in tents in Giuian, Eastern Samar.

The 132 families who were previously in the tent city have been transferred to temporary shelters in Brgy. Getty Hollywood in Cogon.

Emilia Orgando’s family was among those who have recently moved to their new temporary shelter.

“Mas ligtas na kami sa kapahamakan dahil may ligtas na bahay na kami. Salamat sa tugon ng gobyerno (We are safer now because already have a house. Thanks to the response of the government),” she shared.

DSWD provided ‘pabaon packs’ to the families comprising of 25 kilos of rice, 6 canned goods, 8 cereal drinks, 6 sachets of coffee, and family and hygiene kits.

Source: www.dswd.gov.ph, PCOO

Image Credit: newsinfo.inquirer.net