TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – Some 1,533 families or 8000 individuals are benefiting from the housing units formally handed over by the Australian Government as part of its broad assistance to communities affected by typhoon Yolanda.
The housing units were handed over in a simple ceremony recently at Palo Municipal Hall, Palo, Leyte followed by visits to the shelter sites in Barangay Libertad in Palo and in Barangay Bagacay in Tacloban, City.
The housing project was implemented by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Gawad Kalinga, the Philippine Red Cross and the local government units of Palo and Tacloban, City.
It was personally attended by Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell, Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla, Philippine Red Cross Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Luis Oquinena and CRS Philippine Response Coordinator Joshua Kyller.
“Australia and the Philippines have a deep and warm relationship covering broad areas including development, trade and defense cooperation. Australia will always stand ready to support the Philippines and the Filipino people in times of disasters,” Ambassador Tweddell said.
Mrs. Magdalena Dotado, resident of Barangay Libertad, Palo, Leyte was very thankful for being one of the recipients of the shelter assistance.
“My family and all the beneficiaries are very thankful and will forever remember Australia’s kindness, especially during the time of our greatest need. Rest assured we will take care of the houses that have been generously provided to us,” Dotado said.
The shelter recovery program is part of Australia’s Php2.6 billion immediate humanitarian assistance and recovery support for Yolanda-affected communities.
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