By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has allocated P6,250,000 worth of shelter starter kits to at least 250 families in Negros Occidental.
Vice President Leni Robredo visited the province again last Saturday, as she led the distribution of the shelter starter kits in Sipalay City and Cauayan town.
These two areas in the southern part of the province were among those badly hit by Super Typhoon Odette in December last year.
Robredo personally turned over the kits to 50 families in Barangay Gil Montilla, Sipalay City, and 45 families in Barangay Mambugsay, Cauayan town.
“Alam ko po kung gaano kahirap mawalan ng bahay,” Robredo said, as she recalled how Typhoon Odette made a massive destruction not just in the province but other parts of the country as well.
Aside from the two areas, housing materials were also provided to 50 families in Kabankalan City, 45 in Hinoba-an town, and 30 families each in Candoni and Ilog towns.
Through the help of some partners, Robredo said they were able to come up with the said project.
Robredo hopes that the kits could help the affected residents rebuild their houses to start anew.
Robredo lauded the Negrense Volunteers for Change and the United Architects of the Philippines for supporting the project.
These groups will ensure the completion and durability of the houses since there will be training component to teach residents how to properly build and improve their houses.
Jimmy Cardinal, 54, a father of four, was among the beneficiaries of the said project after his house was swept away by flashflood. He was able to talk to Robredo during her visit in Sipalay City over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Sipalay City Mayor Gina Montilla thanked Robredo for visiting and choosing the city to be one of the beneficiaries of the said project.
According to the city government, the beneficiaries will also undergo a construction capacity workshop to be facilitated by C.C. Buencamino Architects and UAP – Buglas Sur Chapter.
