UNDP inaugurates disaster-resilient houses in Ormoc

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, July 1 (PNA) –- The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has completed new housing units for typhoon victims in this city under its Project Recovery program, bankrolled by the European Union (EU) for PHP13.7 million.

On his last day in office, outgoing Mayor Edward C. Codilla led the inauguration of a housing project in Cagbuhangin village.

The project consists of 11 rows of five-unit houses. Each unit, measuring 35 square meters, costs PHP286,000 to build.

The community has access to level-3 water system, electricity and waste water treatment facility. The 55 family beneficiaries consist of 262 individuals who come from 12 disaster-risk villages, including coastal areas and those prone to landslides and floods.

UNDP Country Director Titon Mitra cited the reasons the project was completed only now, more than two years after super typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in the region.

“If you think how difficult it is to arrive at a housing project like this, I hope you understand why it is taking so long,” he said.

The first point to consider in looking for a resettlement site is that it should be the right place. “I asked many times, is this the correct site? Have you looked at the (land’s) elevation and contour? And (authorities) are saying this is definitely a site that will not be flooded if you have a typhoon,” Mitra explained.

They also considered the ownership of the land. “We all know that land title is difficult in the Philippines, so finding a place that is indisputably owned by the government is not so easy,” he went on.

The resettlement sits on 4.3-hectare land acquired by the local government unit (LGU) for PHP2.1 million using the more than PHP9 million raised individual and organized donations after Yolanda.

“Then you have to find contractors to provide all the supplies because you want to make sure that the European Union’s money is being used as well as possible [and] we’re getting the best prices, so it takes a little bit more time to get the contracting in place,” he continued.

Another factor Mitra cited is the LGU’s cooperation. “As you can see, it’s not just the buildings here – it’s all the things that connect to make the site viable. You need the access roads, electricity, water supply. All of that need to be provided by the local government. So this is a partnership which depends so much on how good the local government is and how committed [it is] to putting up a place like this,” he explained.

The houses are constructed with sweat equity from the beneficiaries to enhance the sense of community ownership. They are organized into the Ormoc Construction Workers Association and trained in construction to enable them to enter into labor contracts with the government and private institutions.

The project is designed to be a model housing community which the LGU can replicate for its future relocation sites. It adheres to higher construction standards of typhoon-resilient houses.

The design innovations include the use of 16mm reinforced steel bars for footing forms and columns instead of the standard 12mm used in other socialized housing projects.

Additional steel bars were placed in the middle columns to enhance the overall sturdiness of the structure. Concrete gutter beams were used as roof drains and to act as wind breaker to prevent roofing panel detachment in the event of excessive wind speeds.

Roofing pitch is reduced to minimize the impact of excessive wind speeds in roofing panels and trusses. J-bolts were used instead of Tek screws or rivets in securely fastening the roofing panels to the purlins. Additional louver window shutters were also installed to protect the glass jalousies from breaking due to strong winds.

“Once you move in, I can make a 100 percent guarantee [that] if a typhoon like Yolanda comes again and you’re in that house, you don’t have to be scared. That house will withstand 300-kph. winds. It’s even constructed in a way that it will withstand an earthquake,” Mitra assured.

The project implementers will further extend livelihood support to the families like the establishment of a mini-mart as well as a fishpond and organic gardening, using water from the community’s water catchment facility. Already, the families are engaged in goat-raising provided by other non-government organizations.

UNDP will also acquire two vehicles and organize a transport cooperative. Considering the distance from the city proper, the vehicles will prove useful in transporting the residents to and from the downtown 11.67 kilometers away where most of them work as fish vendors and laborers. The vehicles can earn money for the rest of the day for the cooperative.

Mitra cited Mayor Codilla’s contribution to the project. “One thing that is absolutely critical for a project’s success is the leadership of the local government. So committed (was Mayor Codilla to this project), that we insisted that this ceremony takes place before his term ends. And we agreed because it has to be a recognition that we wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the mayor and his work.”

“So I really want to thank you in behalf of all the UNDP staff who worked very closely with you, because without you this could not be possible and you can leave tomorrow knowing that you finished an excellent job,” he told the mayor.

The head of the operation section of the EU delegation to the Philippines, Achim Tillessen, also had kind words to the official.

“This turnover ceremony is the culmination of the fruitful cooperation and all-out support provided by Mayor Codilla. The project achievements (of EU) here in Ormoc would not have been possible without the valuable support extended by Mayor Codilla and his LGU team.

“We honor him today for the legacy that he will leave to the people of Ormoc. We honor him for his leadership, commitment and sincere desire to help his people,” he added. (PNA)
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