Disaster-resilient house unveiled in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - A house as durable as the Filipino spirit in the face of adversity was unveiled recently in Daanbantayan, Cebu as part of France-Philippines United Action (FPUA)’s France-Philippines Day, marking another milestone in the organization’s post-Yolanda rehabilitation program.

The disaster-resilient structure serves as a model unit for the first site of the initiative, which involves the construction of a French Village in the Northern Cebu coastal town, one of the hardest hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Following the unveiling, 75 units donated by various members of the French business community will be constructed on 5,400 square meters of land donated by the Cebu provincial government to the municipality of Daanbantayan.

“As we see the outpouring of continuous support given to those affected, we would like to supplement these inspirational efforts by the rebuilding of permanent homes in the affected communities,” said Don Lee, president of Lafarge Holdings (Philippines), Inc. and committee chairman of FPUA, a private sector initiative that coordinates the French business community’s rehabilitation efforts in Northern Cebu.

“We are committed to helping families get back on their feet by providing them with an assurance of their future by delivering the peace of mind that comes with a safe and durable home,” he added.

Lafarge has committed to construct the first 40 houses in Site 1 of the project, located at Barangay Agujo.

Specially designed by social architect Edric Florentino to withstand up to intensity 8 earthquakes and 275 kilometers per hour winds, each house can accommodate a family of four. Habitat for Humanity Philippines will oversee the construction of the houses as well as provide contractors, foremen and gather volunteers to help with the build.

“Resisting destructive natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes are the current major challenges of rebuilding efforts. Reducing the environmental impact of the reconstruction activities is also big consideration,” said Lee. “This very much reflects Lafarge’s own values as we always make it a priority that our constructive solutions and systems contribute to stronger and long-lasting buildings and infrastructure, such as the house we are unveiling today.”

Set to benefit 300 displaced residents, the development will also feature a community center whose construction is to be funded through the generous donation of Lafarge employees, matched peso for peso by the company.

Lafarge also earlier presented its efforts in providing innovative solutions to the overall reconstruction plan in the Visayas region.

Lafarge Republic, Inc. together with Global Business Power Corp., has launched Kapit-Balay Cement, a variant developed specifically to address the need for low-cost, high-quality cement, which can be used by NGOs, government agencies and LGUs in their post-disaster rebuilding programs, such as the one in Daanbantayan.

The special cement makes use of fly ash, a by-product of coal-fired power plants, as an additive to allow good workability, smoother finish, enhanced durability and better strength.