#JARO, #LEYTE – The Citizens’ Disaster Response Center Foundation, Inc. (#CDRC) handed over 300 permanent houses to families hardest hit by super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) almost four years ago.

The ceremony was held on Oct. 6, 2017 at 11 am at Brgy. Buenavista in Jaro, Leyte. Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas representative Mr. Nico Torrevillas, Region VIII DSWD Asst. Director Ms. Marlene Kahano, Region VIII Office of Civil Defense Admin/HR Officer Mr. Jerome Cayabyab, and Jaro Vice Mayor Rolando Celebre graced said event.

In her opening remarks, CDRC’s Board of Trustee Chairperson Dr. Susana Balingit thanked their donor, partners and staff for their unwavering support and dauntless dedication to help the most affected and least served communities.

“We know it has been almost four years since Yolanda and it is only now that the survivors will finally move in their newly constructed houses. But we assure you that the long wait is worth it. These houses are typhoon and earthquake proof and built with the beneficiaries’ own sweat and commitment powered by their strong bayanihan spirit.”

This project is supported by the Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), a German humanitarian organization providing aid worldwide. DKH also supported the first phase of the #shelter project, providing the first 300 houses to Yolanda-hit families in barangays Uguiao, Tinambacan, Cahandugan, Bia Zabala, Rubas and Burabod in Jaro, Leyte. For the second phase, 300 more houses were constructed in barangays Buenavista, San Roque and Macanip in the same town.

This is part of the recovery and rehabilitation contribution of CDRC and DKH to the Municipal Government of Jaro, Leyte. Aside from shelter, CDRC and DKH also implemented agricultural-based livelihood activities and Disaster Risk Reduction program in the same areas.

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