393 homeless families devastated by typhoon Pepeng receive grants

By Mar T. Supnad

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -Some 393 homeless families affected by the devastation of typhoon Pepeng received grants amounting to P2.7million under the disaster risk mitigation program of Habitat for Humanity-Philippines in partnership with the provincial government and local government units.

Provincial Housing and Homesite Regulation Officer Alvin L. Bigay said the families who received P7,000 each came from the towns of Rosales, Villasis, Sison, Bayambang and Urdaneta City.
Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. thanked not only the Habitat team but all the organizations and individuals who extended support to the typhoon victims.

The outpouring of support from concerned citizens, according to the governor, signifies the spirit of cooperativism or “bayanihan” among Filipinos is still alive.

Bigay said the province sought the assistance of shelter agencies to aid the homeless families after the devastation of the destructive typhoon.

Bigay said Pangasinan was lucky for getting a quick response from the Habitat for Humanity-Philippines.

He added the province and the non-government organization inspected damaged houses in the six heavily affected areas of Pangasinan. Bautista town, he added, is under re-validation.

Shelter Repair Kit Assistance involves the distribution of construction materials to families whose houses were partially or totally damaged by calamity or disasters.

This includes roofing materials, flexiboards, lumber, nails and other construction materials like hammer, handsaw and screw drivers.