Balatan is one of the coastal municipality of the Province of Camarines Sur which is home to 28, 699. It is prone to typhoon surge and other natural calamity like flooding and landslides. During the onslaught of typhoon Glenda and Ruby there were families especially those in the coastal village who were left homeless and still unable to restore their houses.

In response to this problem, the Department of Social Welfare and Development released the amount of 13.3 million to the Local Government of Balatan thru Mayor Alfredo Bagasbas, the Local Chief Executive. The amount will benefit 190 family beneficiaries from Barangays Coquit, Duran, Siramag and Luluwasan. Each core shelter units is worth P 70,000.

Ms. Maritess Quismorio, the Regional Focal Person for Core Shelter Assistance Project (CSAP) explained that this project is provided to indigent families who were rendered homeless due to disaster. The core shelter is structurally strong and environment friendly shelter units which can withstand 180-220 kph wind velocity, intensified four earthquakes, floodings and similar hazard. It is restoration and rehabilitation strategy that uses teams to provide laborers in the construction.

Meanwhile, the amount of 370,000 was also released by the department as an augmentation support to the beneficiaries for the construction of the unit. Each beneficiary will be given 1,950.00 for food for work.

Mayor Bagasbas bared that the LGU purchased a 2 hectare lot at Barangay Coquit as the relocation site. The 190 core units will be erected in this site. Coordination with the Provincial Government was also done who also committed to finance other features of the unit like the partitions and for painting. It is envision that the construction of the 190 core units will be completed and turn-over comes September or October, 2016..# # #eejerusalem