Habitat builds toilets in evacuation centers

MANILA, Philippines - Habitat for Humanity Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and international donors, has gone beyond its traditional role of building homes for the poor. Responding to the urgent needs of evacuation centers which are not prepared to house thousands of evacuees, HFHP has been building toilets in schools, and covered courts that currently serve as evacuation centers.

Upon the request of the PNRC, 16 toilets were built in Nangka and Malanday Elementary Schools in Marikina City. To date, more than 30 toilets have been built by Habitat, part of at least 120 toilets that will be built.

Habitat has also built 16 bathing stations located in Bagong Silangan in Quezon City, Poblacion, Alabang and Cupang Elementary Schools in Muntinlupa, and Old Provincial Capitol in Pasig City.

Based on reports of the NDCC, more than 49,454 families (241,789 persons) are currently housed in 471 evacuation centers. The Department of Health worries that the current living conditions in the overcrowded evacuation centers serve as breeding ground for communicable diseases, a situation that poses another serious threat.

Using easy-to-erect steel-frame technology, Global Village volunteers from Shanghai American School, students from Rizal Technological University, Summit Media staff and others helped build the toilets.

Friends of Habitat also mobilized volunteers to provide soup kitchens in evacuation centers as food supplies were becoming a concern. About 950 individuals staying in Nangka Elementary School evacuation center were provided arroz caldo. Volunter Mika Palileo related: “While I was setting up the soup kitchen area, a little girl named Gelyn came up to ask what we were doing. I told her we’ll give them free lunch and that she’ll have to line up like the other kids. I will never forget the smile on the little girl’s face, as she asked, ‘          wede po bang dalawa sa akin? Yung isa para sa kapatid ko (May I have two? The other one is for my sister).’”

Habitat is seeking to raise $2 million for the initial phase of a repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction program in the Philippines. The initial response will involve repairing an estimated 10,000 damaged homes, targeting the poorest 30 per cent of families. To support Habitat in these efforts and help rebuild homes and lives, please visit www.habitat.org.ph for online donations.