One of the best factor in the successful implementation of a project is when the beneficiaries themselves collaborate and unite in the project implementation.

This is the case of the core shelter project by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Local Government Units with more than a thousand typhoon victims and displaced families in Bicol provided with permanent and decent shelters. As of press time, the DSWD has already turned over a total of 8, 268 units regionwide.

In the municipality of Daraga, a certificate of completion and occupancy was received by 1, 528 core shelter beneficiaries from Ms. Corazon Pitero, head of the Social Protection Unit. She was joined by Daraga Vice Mayor Carlito Baylon, LGU officials and Ms. Yolanda Guanzon, the Provincial Social Welfare Officer.

Ms. Pitero explained that the core shelter project is provided to indigent families who were rendered homeless due to disaster. Core shelter is a structurally strong and environment friendly shelter units which can withstand 180 to 220 kph wind velocity, intensified four earthquakes, floodings and other similar hazard. It is a restoration and rehabilitation strategy that uses work teams to provide labor for the construction.

Each family beneficiary was given materials and that they built the houses with vigour and dedication.

While the DSWD was responsible for the shelter units for their counterpart, the LGU of Daraga provided additional construction materials while the Provincial Government’s counterpart is the relocation site.

The families relocated are from barangays; Alcala, Binitayan, Bañag, Busay, Bañadero, Cullat, Tagas and Malabog. These families were left homeless during the series of strong typhoons which stricken Bicol for the past years.

Meanwhile, an additional of 135 core shelter units will be turn-over in the municipality of Polangui. The family beneficiaries will receive their certificate of completion and occupancy from Asst. Regional Director Felix M. Armeña.###eejerusalem-dswdsmu