BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Philippines’ largest bank, continues to support survivors stricken by one of the worst natural disasters in the country’s history.
In line with its disaster response advocacy and long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction programs, the foundation, in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), built 100 resettlement homes in Tacloban for families displaced by Typhoon “Yolanda.”
Located in Barangay Cabalawan, Tacloban City, the single-detached permanent shelters with rainwater collection system were officially turned over to members of the Villa de Tacloban Homeowners Association, the beneficiaries of the project.
The turnover and awarding of keys were led by BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, BDO Foundation program director Rose Espinosa, BDO Tacloban-Justice Romualdez branch head Dennis Mascariñas and UN-Habitat project manager Warren Ubongen.
The disaster-resilient housing units form part of the foundation’s contribution to UN-Habitat’s Post- Yolanda Support for Safer Homes and Settlements program as well as its mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all.
The multi-sectoral initiative was backed by the city government of Tacloban, City Housing and Community Development Office, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, Social Housing Finance Corp. and United Architects of the Philippines.
The housing project in Tacloban is just one of several projects successfully completed by BDO Foundation for people affected by Typhoon ‘Yolanda.’
In partnership with the Foundation for These-abled Persons Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities, the foundation has also built resettlement homes in Sta. Fe, Leyte for a community of PWDs left homeless by the super typhoon.
Through these corporate citizenship initiatives, BDO Foundation hopes to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged Filipinos marginalized by the disaster.