#TalkThursday: Building homes and nation-building after Haiyan

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler talked to Gawad Kalinga (GK) founder Tony Meloto.

More than 8 months after Super Typhoon Haiyan (local name, Yolanda) hit the Philippines, wrecking the Eastern Visayas and leaving thousands of Filipinos dead and more homeless, the Philippines completes its master rehabilitation plan. Submitted by Rehabilitation Secretary Panfilo Lacson to President Benigno Aquino III on August 1, the P170.7-billion ($3.93 billion*) plan covers 4 basic sectors: resettlement, infrastructure, livelihood and social services. (READ: Philippines finalizes P171-B Yolanda rehab plan)

In February 2014, Lacson pegged the status of Yolanda rehabilitation work as being “not even 10%” complete, citing continuing and massive coordination as reason for the delay. Lacson did not mince words in criticizing the slow work of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Five months later, Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun) hit the Philippines, forcing thousands of Haiyan survivors to evacuate. The Philippine government still had not implemented the rehabilitation plans for the towns and cities devastated by the super typhoon. (READ: No Yolanda rehab plan amid Typhoon Glenda)

As the government experienced delays in its rehabilitation work, Philippine-based non-governmental organization Gawad Kalinga (GK) contributed to reconstruction efforts in Leyte and other affected areas with clean-up projects, house building activities, and medical missions, among others.

In the summer of 2014, GK mobilized over one million volunteers with their Bayani Challenge contributing to 1,200 homes rebuilt, 339 roofs repaired, and 613 boats given to fishermen as of July 2014. By December, GK targets to rebuild 6,000 homes, repair 1,500 roofs and donate 1,500 boats. The group has also identified 11,671 home lots in 57 towns in 9 provinces as safe zones where homes can be built and families relocated permanently. – Rappler.com

*$1 = P43.97