Rebuilding lives together
In 2016, Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC), through its social development arm, Shell Pilipinas Foundation, Inc. (SPFI), sealed a partnership with Habitat for Humanity (HFH) for a resettlement project in Anibong, Tacloban, Leyte.
Supporting HFH Philippines’ campaign We Build, PSFI committed to provide assistance for the resettlement of 146 Yolanda-affected families to Kawayanville in Barangay 106, Sto. Niño, Tacloban.
The first and second batch of families received their house keys March this year. Pilipinas Shell and HFH also conducted a volunteerism activity wherein Shell employees, dealers, and contractors, led by Anibong Terminal Manager Paul Solon gathered to paint nine houses for the beneficiaries. One of the volunteers, Orlando Dilda, expressed his fulfilment in participating in the activity: “It was really enjoyable. I also feel it’s a way of giving back because I was also blessed with a new house.”
During the briefing with the beneficiaries, Marufelia Dagondon, HFH Visayas Programme Manager, described the houses as a manifestation of new beginnings – new location, new community, new neighbours. Moreover, occupancy rules were discussed as well as the importance of cooperation for the benefit of the whole community.
Talking to some of the newly resettled residents, we noticed how grateful and happy they were to move to a new home, to start a new life. “Dati, tuwing umuulan, kinakabahan talaga ako. Ngayon, hindi na dahil matibay na ang bahay namin at malayo sa mapanganib na lugar (Before, every time it would rain, I would feel really nervous.
Now, I feel secure because our new house is resilient and far from the danger zone),” shared Ruby Esperas.
111 Yolanda-affected families from Anibong have already resettled as of end May; another 35 will resettle by the end of 2017. When the resettlement phase is completed, livelihood programmes will be launched and implemented as part of the community’s social development.
By Rachael Nathanielsz
Article published on PSFI news magazine October 2017 issue
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