A total of 288 families from various barangays in E. B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, whose houses were destroyed by Super Typhoon “Odette” in 2021, received shelter assistance of P10,000 each at rites held at the town’s public plaza on Thursday, February 9.
The assistance came from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under its Emergency Shelter Assistance Program, a press release from EB Magalona said Friday.
The beneficiaries were identified by the DSWD Field Office-6.
“Odette,” that struck the country on Dec. 16-17, 2021, was the second costliest typhoon in Philippine history, next to Super Typhoon “Yolanda.”
Meanwhile, representatives from the office of Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) visited three housing sites in E. B. Magalona for its Balay Hilway housing program, recently.
The team, led by Sonia Macapagal, district coordinator for E. B. Magalona, and Architect Andrew Peñalosa, housing coordinator for the 3rd District, met with consultant Engr. Jessil Plaza and Municipal Tourism Officer-designate Ma. Teresa Alvarez.
They then visited the Yolanda housing site in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Tondo housing in Brgy. 3 and Gawad Kalinga housing in Brgy. Gahit.
They also visited the Gahit Seawall to learn about the livelihood activities of the residents, such as making dried fish, bamboo baskets, placemats, and lamp shades. *