Philippine Red Cross builds 80,000 homes for ‘Yolanda’ victims
Sen. Richard Gordon turns over a shelter to one of the typhoon victims. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Eight years after supertyphoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) ravaged nine provinces in the Visayas, Sen. Richard Gordon continues to lead efforts to rehabilitate the hardest-hit areas as chairman of the Philippine Red Cross.
Part of the rehabilitation process includes the provision of shelter to the victims of the catastrophe. On Nov. 11, 2013, immediately after the storm abated, Gordon led a convoy of relief and recovery vehicles to the affected areas and distributed tents and shelter kits to those who lost their homes.
Over time, a total of 80,207 homes were built for Yolanda victims. Financial support was requested from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the International Commission of the Red Cross, and several Red Cross societies of other countries (the Movement). With their red roofs and well-constructed exteriors, the homes are easily recognizable from afar and adhere to the strictest reporting requirements of the Movement. Construction, logistics, and financing was administered by the Philippine Red Cross for the project and continued towards completion.
Of the total number of homes built, 5,956 were built in Aklan, 1,094 in Antique, 7,091 in Capiz, 8,671 in Cebu, 4,663 in Eastern Samar, 6,609 in Iloilo, 30,037 in Leyte, 623 in Palawan, and 4,124 in Western Samar.
With their red roofs, the homes built by the PRC for Yolanda victims are easily recognizable from afar. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Rey Sinangote, Tofil Dia, Mari Rose Adapo, Elena Nulla are only a few of the beneficiaries who received houses. “These homes gave us stability and a foundation. With a secure roof over our heads, we upheld our dignity, strengthened our subsistence, and were able to pick up our lives. Maraming salamat sa Red Cross na pinamumuno ni Sen. Dick Gordon.”
Shelter projects are an essential part of the Philippine Red Cross’ rehabilitation efforts in disaster-stricken areas. The humanitarian organization has built more than 15,000 houses all over the archipelago for citizens who have lost their homes. The latest projects are being implemented in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Palawan.
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