Some 101 family-survivors of typhoon “Sendong” are now occupying the 12 bunkhouses constructed in the Xavier University-Ecoville in Cagayan de Oro City which is a permanent relocation site, according to DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman.

During the visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III in Cagayan de Oro City last 25 January, some 40 families were initially transferred to the site. On February 1, an additional 61 families were relocated while another 19 families will be moved to the area soon.The bunkhouses are complete with kitchen area, latrines/bathing area, and lighting fixtures. The bunkhouses were constructed by the 52nd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army.

Meanwhile, Secretary Soliman added that families inside the West City Central School and City Central School will start moving to Calaanan Tent City on February 10 through February 15, 2012 “so that they will now have some private place to stay.” The number of families to be transferred will depend on the number of tents to be vacated by families who will also be moving to the core shelter units being built in the area.  To date, there are 501 families in West City Central School and 171 families in City Central School.

The DSWD-Region X is currently preparing family packs that fit the needs of the evacuees. Likewise, evacuees have been assured of seed capital from the DSWD for their small-scale businesses through the Department’s livelihood program. Beneficiaries are asked to submit project proposals for funding. ### (DSWD-Social Marketing Service) February 6, 2012.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, guest of honor during the DSWD’s  61st Anniversary Celebration, pose with supportive media partners as they receive their Gawad Ulat Awards; (clockwise ), Ms. Kelly Vergel De Dios, Assistant Vice-President for Administration and Ms. Ma. Teresa L. Pacis, Assistant Vice-President for Corporate Affairs of GMA7, Most Supportive Television Station; Ms. Aida Sy and Mr. Allan Lopez of Aksyon Radyo Singko 92.3 News FM  for Most Supportive Radio Station;   Mr. Rene Bas, Editor –In-Chief and  Mr.  Arnel Caguingin, Marketing Executive of the Manila Times for Most Supportive Newspaper.

The Gawad Ulat Awards is given to media organizations and practitioners who are committed to advance the advocacy, promotion and publicity of DSWD’s programs, projects and services.

In her message, DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said that the “media is DSWD’s partner in rendering service to the poor and disadvantaged. They are not all praises to us but they help  us attain our goals with truthfulness, honesty and integrity.”  

The Gawad Ulat Awards is part of the PaNata ko sa Bayan or Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan Awards given by the DSWD in recognition of the invaluable support of its partners and stakeholders in the implementation of DSWD programs, projects and services. The PaNata Awards highlighted the month-long celebration of DSWD’s 61st Foundation Anniversary with the theme, “DSWD @61: Tuloy-tuloy sa Kaunlaran.” ### (DSWD-Social Marketing Service) February 5, 2012