BUTUAN CITY- Last December 10, 2013, the inauguration and turn-over ceremony of the twenty-seven (27) core shelter houses in Brgy. Lacasa, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur was successfully conducted despite the outpouring of heavy rain.
The blessing of houses, cutting of ribbon and unveiling of the commemorative marker symbolized the formal handing of responsibility by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga and the local government unit (LGU) of Hinatuan to the beneficiaries and members of the Hinatuan Neighborhood Association for Shelter Assistance (HINASA).
In her message, Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli said that the Office is very happy that it was able to assist in the provision of shelters for the beneficiaries through financial assistance worth Php 1,890,000.00 for the Project construction. The regional office also allotted Php 50,000.00 for the cash for work.
Some heavy equipment during the site clearing were lent by the Provincial Government of SdS.
Hon. Candelario J. Viola Jr., mayor of Hinatuan, being one of the prime supporters of the Project completion, also attended the activity and reminded the HINASA members to take good care of the shelters as it is a rare opportunity to benefit such a Project
LGU Hinatuan had extended labor counterpart in the amount of Php 216,000.00 aside from its sponsorship of the filling materials in the core shelter site, 27 pieces of toilet bowls and fuel for supply vehicles.
Technical assistance was also rendered by Hinatuan’s Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) headed by Engr. Queruben Rosales who deployed some of their skilled and competent staff.
HINASA’s president, Charita P. Yparraguire had also been found to have noteworthy contribution in the completion of the Project. One of which is facilitating the submission of resolution to Surigao del Sur Electric Cooperative (SURSECO) for free electric connection and materials for the installation. She said that they had exerted much effort in realizing the Project, and so, they will unite and cooperate to maintain and sustain it for perpetual use.
Since the association had spare materials and savings from the construction, they were able to construct an income generating multi-purpose building within the core shelter site.
The 27 family beneficiaries of the Project were flood victims in 2010 who are residents from the seawall of Brgy. Aquino, Hinatuan.
Core shelter project is a disaster rehabilitation program of DSWD which primary purpose is to be a relocation site for calamity-displaced families.
###(Eunice G. Montaos/Social Marketing unit/DSWD Caraga)
