Tacloban organizes ‘Yolanda’ housing dwellers into groups

TACLOBAN CITY, March 2 (PNA) – The city government here has organized home owners associations (HOAs) in all of the eight permanent resettlement sites occupied by families badly hit by super typhoon Yolanda. 

The organization is just one of the development initiatives spearheaded by the local government of Tacloban, according to the city housing department. 

The establishment of HOAs in resettlement sites is a priority in the social preparation initiatives of the City Government for transferred families. 

Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez revealed that 2,755 families have been organized into HOAs in resettlement sites – GMA Kapuso village, Kawayan Ville, Global Medic, Lions Village, UNDP Village, Villa Diana, Villa Sofia and Ridgeview Park.

Romualdez said the Bayanihan Savings Replication Program (BSRP) – a savings, finance and enterprise program at the community level that capacitates low income families in handling their finances and managing their livelihoods– have been established in the different sites; while regular values formation are being conducted. 

It has also identified community coordinators in each resettlement areas to fast track the delivery of services.

Meanwhile, the city government is coordinating efforts for the construction of classrooms in resettlement sites for an estimated 24,878 school-age children; some 600 classrooms are needed in resettlement sites.

Classroom units completed thus far include 24 classrooms in GMA Kapuso Village and Habitat for Humanity Resettlement Site.

In areas where there is an immediate need for classrooms, Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) have been set up. 

Completed TLS include 30 in Ridgeview Park, nine TLS are undergoing completion at the Lucio Vivero Elementary School and Camansihay Elementary School.

Students studying at the city center are ferried for free to and from settlement sites by buses provided by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Visayas; the city government shoulders fuel cost and salary of drivers. 

At least 6,089 houses have been occupied by recipients as of Feb. 13, 2017 out of the 8,422 completed units in 19 sites. Some 2,829 houses are being constructed, according to NHA.

The central government aims to build 14,433 units for Yolanda survivors in this city alone.(PNA)
FPV/SQM/CITY INFORMATION OFFICE-PR