Bogo City—The Philippine Red Cross highlighted volunteerism and Typhoon Haiyan Operation completed projects as PRC Chairman and Senator Richard Gordon led the turnover of projects and the oathtaking of Red Cross 143 volunteers in this city in Cebu.
As part of the completion of projects in the municipality of Daanbantayan, Cebu under Typhoon Haiyan Operation, 901 families received the certificates of occupancy of their new homes, and nine schools were provided with water and sanitation facilities.
“This day is a celebration of life, a celebration of new beginnings, new hope, and chances for the people of Daanbantayan,” said Gordon. “The result would not have been possible without the untiring help of our valued partners, the Japanese Red Cross who assisted and provided support since day one.”
In partnership with the Japanese Red Cross Society, PRC provided shelter, livelihood, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and health facilities in barangays Bateria, Bitoon, Calape, Lanao, Malingin, Maya and Poblacion of Daanbantayan, as part of the beneficiary programs for Typhoon “Yolanda” survivors.
The ceremony also highlighted the accomplishments of the PRC and other partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement through the Typhoon Haiyan Operation, in commemoration of the third anniversary of Typhoon “Yolanda” last November 3.
In its three-year progress report on Typhoon Haiyan, the PRC said it was guided by a coordinated approach as the whole Red Cross framework supported thousands of households across different provinces affected by the strongest typhoon to make landfall in country’s recorded history.
“The emergency relief operation was launched immediately to provide assistance to the people affected across the Central Visayas region” that includes Cebu, the report added. “Food, water, clothes and emergency shelter materials were dispatched and more than 8,000 volunteers were mobilized.”
To support recovery efforts of the affected people, Red Cross partners contributed to the operational plan of the PRC. “Coordination was maintained to ensure efficient and effective utilization of resources, and to reach the affected communities with quality service and appropriate assistance.”
The recovery of households “entailed support for shelter repair and reconstruction, recovery of livelihoods and income generation activities, construction of water and sanitation facilities, rehabilitation of health infrastructure and health promotion initiatives, and improved educational facilities.”
Awareness raising sessions were also carried out with the communities to improve their knowledge of disaster preparedness, the report added.