World Vision carries on recovery programs in Bohol

MANILA, Philippines – After providing urgent life-saving aid to 41,360 people in the hardest-hit municipalities of Sagbayan, Danao, San Isidro, Ubay, Sikatuna, Sevilla and Loboc, Maribojoc and Antequera, World Vision transitions to recovery phase to provide housing materials for 500 households and 200 households for housing repair kits in the municipalities of Maribojoc and Antequera. (READ: World Vision recognizes the diplomatic community)

World Vision national director Josaias Dela Cruz gave assurances the Boholanos have not been forgotten. “Although it seemed like the nationwide emergency response has focused on the Yolanda-hit areas for the past months, we would like to assure both the donors and survivors that we’ve never stopped assisting Bohol. We have exceeded our initial target beneficiaries in our emergency response by 18%, and we hope to assist the survivors further by reconstructing their shattered houses, making their homes safe once again, especially for children.” (READ: Bohol ghost town struggles after quake)

The ongoing response, dubbed the Progressive Core Shelter Project, is in partnership with the local government of Maribojoc through the National Housing Authority and Oxfam. 

“Before the housing materials are delivered to the households, World Vision has undergone social preparations with the survivors including the key role players in the community. And to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families, especially in the earthquake-affected danger zones, World Vision requires a building permit to ensure that the target beneficiaries follow the mandate of the LGU (local government unit) on not to build their houses in no-build zone areas,” Nicomedes Ninolas, World Vision response manager said. 

World Vision has been assisting Bohol through various development and child-focused programs for almost 20 years. It hopes to strengthen its current programming with community-based capacity-building initiatives promoting disaster risk reduction (DRR) and livelihood support through Community Managed Savings and Credit Association (Comsca) which would encourage community members to start a savings program that they can use during emergencies. (READ: Companies are helping to rebuild Bohol)

Gratitude

Dela Cruz also acknowledged the generosity of the donor community. “On behalf of the children, families and communities we’ve served, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. World Vision would have not done it without your help. We are calling for your continuous support as we transition to the rehabilitation phase. More work needs to be done.” 

In October 2013, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Bohol, leaving 1.3 million people affected; 79,217 houses damaged or destroyed; 367,760 people displaced.

Based on a recent UN report, about 367,760 people whose homes were damaged or destroyed are still living in their damaged houses or make-shift tents, while  2,681 people remain in the evacuation centers.

To this day, aftershocks still occur. Some families continue to be at risk living near the sinkholes, and faultline shelter assistance is urgently needed to help protect the survivors – especially the vulnerable children – from unsafe conditions. – Rappler.com/World Vision

World Vision is an international Christian, humanitarian, development advocacy and relief organization that is child-focused and community-based. It is currently working in over 100 countries globally and in 44 communities all over the Philippines, helping over 105,000 poor children have access to education, good health and provide livelihood opportunities for families and their communities.