Check handover
Pilipinas Shell and Habitat for Humanity team during the Memorandum of Agreement signing and check handover

Last August 3, 2016, HFH Philippines and PSFI signed a Memorandum of Agreement for housing projects for the benefit of 116 Yolanda-affected families. Supporting HFH Philippines’ campaign We Build, PSFI committed to provide assistance for the relocation of the affected families to Kawayanville in Barangay 106, Sto. Niño, Tacloban, with over 100 shelter units estimated to be completed by April 2017.

PSPC Chairman and President Edgar Chua shared Shell’s active role in forging partnerships to promote sustainable development in the country. “We really hope that we can build on this, and grow this partnership for the long term.” Emphasizing the significance of partnerships in fuelling growth in the country, Chua said, “This collaboration will go a long way in helping the communities. No single entity can take on this responsibility alone. We are honoured to be part of this partnership.”

While Shell actively forges partnerships to promote sustainable mobility, driver education, and saving fuel in the country, it explores opportunities to collaborate with relevant organisations to fuel growth and development in communities by employing innovative methods in implementing social development programmes.

With presence in over 70 countries worldwide, HFH envisions a world where everyone has a decent place to live in by bringing together partner organizations that share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities.

During the signing, HFH Philippines Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Charlito Ayco shared his vision for a better future for every Filipino child. “Just like Shell’s future energy visions, I am hoping for a nation where every Filipino child can go home and sleep in a decent house,” said Ayco.  “We are honoured by Shell’s presence in sealing this partnership. We at Habitat for Humanity are looking forward to a stronger partnership with Shell. This housing project for Yolanda-affected families in Anibong, Tacloban, is a remarkable start for our partnership.” To date, over 135,000 families have already benefitted from HFH Philippines’ programs such as home repair kits, school buildings, health centres, water facilities, and livelihood support for poverty-stricken communities and disaster-affected Filipinos.

After the official sealing of partnership, PSFI Executive Director Edgardo Veron Cruz presented PSFI’s relief and rehabilitation initiatives for Yolanda-affected families. “It will be a rewarding accomplishment when we complete the 116 shelter units by next year. By then, we would have completed the list of activities related to Super Typhoon Yolanda. Looking forward to a productive partnership with HFH Philippines, Veron Cruz said, “There will be many other things in the future that we can do together.”

 

By Rachael Nathanielsz and Jun Jay Jimenez

Article published on PSFI news magazine October 2016 issue

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