DSWD turns over 20 core shelter projects in Alaminos
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development recently turned over an initial 20 core shelter units in Pangapisan, Alaminos City to the city government under the agency’s Core Shelter Assistance Program (CSAP) for poor people living in hazard-prone areas.
The Alaminos City Mayor Arthur Celeste said the city government’s counterpart included the land donation, the site’s development, and provision of tools, equipment, and salaries for workers.
The 1.6- hectare of land was donated by a US-based couple, Ruperto and Loreta Gameng, through the intervention of Celeste who visited them in California and pleaded for the cause of the landless.
The beneficiaries’ Neighborhood Association for Shelter Assistance (NASA) was an active participant in the construction of the houses.
Each core shelter unit costs P130,000.
In the spirit of bayanihan, family heads and members were encouraged to work in the site as their ‘sweat counterpart’.
DSWD Region 1 Director Marcelo Nicomedes Castillo said that great things happen when the national and local governments and the beneficiaries themselves are involved in synchronized efforts and expertise towards common good.
CSAP and Pantawid beneficiary Sandy Arevalo and his wife expressed their gratitude for being awarded a new house and lot. After fishing, they helped in the construction of their own core shelter.
Meanwhile, Omar de la Cruz, another project recipient said, “Even if we work for many years, we won’t be able to afford a house and lot such as this”.
On the site will rise a Child Development Center and an integrated primary school with a chapel as well, which were pledged by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Danny Sison and Msgr. Rey Ragudos of the Diocese of Alaminos, respectively.
CSAP is designed to provide financial assistance to families whose houses were totally destroyed by manmade or natural disasters. (Eva C. Visperas)
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