CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – The provincial government of Samar is rushing to transfer to permanent relocation sites hundreds of Yolanda-affected families in three municipalities.
Gov. Sharee Ann Tan said yesterday that displaced families from Sta. Rita, Basey and Marabut towns would soon be transferred to more secure relocation sites.
“Our bunkhouses are just temporary, and we need to give them a place they can call their home,†Tan said adding the provincial government signed an agreement with the landowners of the relocation sites.
She said the provincial government is working with the Department of Public Works and Highways for the construction of houses and with the Department of Agriculture for additional livelihood opportunities for typhoon survivors.
The relocation plan in Samar’s three most devastated municipalities was drawn up after non-government donors pledged to donate at least 900 houses for the victims.
In Leyte, around 2,000 families displaced by Yolanda were to be transferred to several sites in Palo town.
Among the beneficiaries were those living within the 40-meter no-build zones and riverbanks, including informal settlers whose houses were destroyed by the super typhoon.