New homes for Pablo survivors

MANILA, Philippines - The PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), on behalf of all companies under the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and the PLDT Group, has turned over to the provincial government of Davao Oriental the first batch of housing units constructed in the municipality of Baganga to help rebuild the lives of those displaced by Typhoon Pablo in 2012.

The foundation has turned over 29 of the 266 houses in Brgy Lambajon to beneficiaries that have been identified by the provincial government. The housing project will be named MVP Tulong Kapatid Homes.

The units, made of durable materials, have two bedrooms, a bathroom and kitchen.

Utility firms Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and Maynilad Water Services Inc., in cooperation with the local cooperatives, facilitated the installation of electricity and water services to each home.

“The provincial government asked help from the private sector to help build homes for those displaced by the typhoon. MVP immediately responded and was ready to help,” said PSF president Esther Santos, referring to MPIC Group chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan.  

Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon thanked the entire group and said the residents were lucky to be identified as beneficiaries for the housing project.

“This is the early stages of a partnership between the local government and the PSF, which made providing shelters to those who were displaced by Pablo possible,” said Malanyaon.

Other partners in the MVP Tulong Kapatid Housing Project include the National Housing Authority, DMCI and Philippine Constructors Association. 

Holcim, together with DMCI and PCA, also conducted a “Galing Mason” training program for the workers in the construction project.

At least 29 water filtration units were also turned over to the LGU for the use of the community.