Gov't to Yolanda survivors: Go home and get a mobile phone

MANILA, Philippines - Government agencies and local government units and private institutions are now offering to bring back survivors of supertyphoon Yolanda back to their homes in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said on Friday.

The DSWD, which leads an inter-agency group, said the survivors who temporarily sought refuge in Metro Manila and nearby provinces but are now ready to return to the home towns in Eastern Visayas could avail themselves of the Balik sa Bayan program.

Under the program, the beneficiaries are provided  financial assistance, transportation assistance, and health services.

They are also given pabaon packs containing relief goods, blankets, and mats; shelter kits with construction materials and basic carpentry tools; starter kits; and, a mobile phone.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman said  the program aims to assist the survivors in their early recovery and reintegration to their respective communities.

As of Thursday, a total of 77 families composed of 212 individuals who were accommodated at the DSWD-managed Jose Fabella Center in Mandaluyong City and at the Tent City in Pasay City have been sent home.

Other agencies working on the implementation of the program are Department of Health, National Anti-Poverty Commission, Philippine Air Force, Salubong Movement, PLDT-Smart Foundation, and the different LGUs.