ADB extends USD20-M to rebuild Yolanda-hit classrooms

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 18 (PNA) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) with funding from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR), has financed USD20 million for the construction of classrooms damaged by super typhoon Yolanda in central Philippines, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported.

The Plan International is the consulting firm commissioned by the ADB to construct and repair classrooms in selected campuses in Kananga, Burauen, Tanauan, Dulag and Mayorga in Leyte; and Quinapondan, Balangiga, Hernani, Salcedo, Balangkayan and Guiuan in Eastern Samar.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) approved the design in line with the build-back-better principle of the government.

“They can withstand winds as strong as 250 kilometer per hour like the one brought by super typhoon Yolanda. They are also equipped with ventilation systems, chairs, boards, wash basin, separate comfort rooms for boys and girls, and a rainwater catchment system serving as an alternative source of water,” the NEDA regional office said on its website.

NEDA is tasked to oversee the rehabilitation efforts of Yolanda-stricken communities.

In a statement, ADB Senior Legal Officer Karen Baydo said that the people of Japan are honored to have helped the Filipino people in times of need.

“With the new classrooms constructed, the concerned teachers, pupils and parents would take good care of the facility for future generations to benefit from the program of the ADB-JFPR,” Baydo added.

The project is in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (PNA)
ZST/SARWELL Q. MENIANO