Flood-affected households in Agusan Sur receive shelter kits
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The United Nations Development Programme’s project dubbed as “Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change in the Philippines' (SHIELD) distributed shelter kits to the flood victims from the municipalities of La Paz and San Luis in the province of Agusan del Sur on July 2.
The UNDP’s SHIELD program supported a
total amount of P2.3 million for house reconstruction for the 400 houses that
were damaged by severe flooding brought by the trough of the low pressure
that occurred in the first quarter of this year.
"As a beneficiary from the
municipality of La Paz, I am very thankful for all your help that allowed me and
my family to build my house," said 39-year old Janice Escobilla.
"Thank you for helping me
rebuild my house and for serving the people of Agusan del Sur," added
Rolan Ollantes Labaso, 43 years old from Poblacion, San Luis, Agusan del Sur.
Meanwhile, Dr. Trishah Fe Goloran,
focal person for the Public and Private Development Center (PPDC) expressed
appreciation to UNDP saying, "We are grateful that you are here today to
witness firsthand the dedication of the people who are working tirelessly to
assist you. We sincerely appreciate your Bayanihan spirit, the essence of
helping one another to rebuild your homes."
"We hope that the materials
provided will aid you in reconstructing better and resilient homes," she
said.
The project also received support
from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that
provided the beneficiaries with relevant training on carpentry and
masonry.
Subsequently, the Public Employment
Service Office (PESO) placed them under the program on Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa
Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) of the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE).
"We thank TESDA for providing
the training that enabled you to build your own houses, and DOLE ‘s program on
TUPAD that allowed you to earn while reconstructing your homes," said Gov.
Santiago Cane Jr.
"We look forward to seeing you
recover from the disasters you endured. We are committed to assisting those who
are willing to help themselves," he added.
Gov. Cane emphasized that the
provincial government of Agusan del Sur is now prioritizing those who are
actively working to earn and grow, rather than those solely rely on government
assistance.
Paul Kevin Villarico, project manager
of UNDP Project SHIELD, was overwhelmed by what he witnessed during the events.
"It is heartwarming for us to
engage directly with the beneficiaries. We see the tangible results of our
collaboration with other agencies in assisting you," said Villarico.
"Assisting you brings us great
joy, made possible through the support of our donor, the Australian government.
We sincerely hope that these resources will prove beneficial to you, despite
their limited quantity," he added.
Arleen Ann Sanchez, provincial
director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in
Agusan del Sur, reminded the beneficiaries to take good care of their homes and
continue supporting the project.
"This project is immensely
beneficial to our province. We ask for your unwavering cooperation and
commitment to this endeavor. The success of this project hinges on our
collective efforts; let us ensure its sustainability and impact," she
said.
"We hope you understand that you
are essential to this project, and its benefits are for you," added
Sanchez.
To solidify this milestone, the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) and the provincial governor Cane then signed and acknowledged the turnover documents from UNDP, serving as a formal confirmation of the handover of the project to the beneficiaries. (KKG, PIA-Agusan del Sur)
