DSWD Acting Secretary Celia Capadocia-Yangco and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda led the distribution of certificates of completion and occupancy to core shelter beneficiaries in Brgy. San Andres, Sto Domingo, Albay.

For some 70 families from the municipalities of Sto. Domingo, Albay who lost their houses due to typhoons, the year 2010 has ushered hope for them as they moved in to their new homes. 

Social Welfare and Development Acting Secretary Celia Capadocia-Yangco led the awarding of certificates of completion and ownership to the families for the core shelter units built for them by the DSWD and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Acting Secretary Yangco said that the construction of the shelter units for displaced families in Albay and the rest of the Bicol region is in response to the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to provide immediate assistance and strengthen rehabilitation projects for typhoon victims.

Acting Secretary Yangco explained that the houses were built by the beneficiaries themselves to give them a sense of ownership and responsibility for their homes. Each family was given materials to construct the house which has two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a toilet.

She added that water and electric facilities were also provided. Electric posts with main and interconnecting lines were installed to the houses for a sustainable power supply.  Likewise, faucets were connected to every unit ensuring the free flow of water supply.

“Napakasaya namin sa bago naming tirahan. Masasabi kong masuwerte kamil dahil mas matatag na ang aming bahay. Masuwerte rin kami dahil may malinis na tubig at kuryente. (We are happy with our new homes. We are lucky because we have stronger houses now as well as abundant supply of clean water and electricity), Herminia Isaac, one of the beneficiaries proudly said.

In her message, Acting Secretary Yangco recognized the efforts of the beneficiaries in building their houses saying that “government effort is nothing unless people start helping themselves.”

Earlier, the UNDP provided electricity and water facilities to 30 housing units built by the DSWD under its Core Shelter Assistance Program (CSAP) in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay.

Likewise, a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a multi-purpose building was held in Tiwi. The multi-purpose building will be used as health center, community library, senior citizens center and as an evacuation center. 

Joining Acting Secretary Yangco during the distribution rites were UNDP Assistant Representative, Ms. Alma Evangelista, DSWD Region V  Director Remia Tapispisan, Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, and Acting Sto. Domingo Mayor Edna Banda. ### (DSWD-Social Marketing Service) February 17, 2010.