Santiago City, Isabela Mayor Joseph Salvador Tan (1 st from left) and DSWD FO2 OIC Regional Director Ponciana P. Condoy (center) lead the inauguration ceremony. With them are LGU staff, barangay officials and DSWD staff.
The community in Bannawag Norte,Santiago City where the 95 families, who are informal settlers and victims of Typhoon Vinta in 2015, now safely live. Also residing in this community are 50 families/beneficiaries of CSAP who were affected by Typhoon Juan in 2011.

A total of 95 informal settler families who were affected by Typhoon Vinta that hit Santiago City, Isabela last year are now proud owners of safe and secure homes through the Core Shelter Assistance Program (CSAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

CSAP is the provision of environment-friendly, structurally strong shelter units that can withstand up to 220 kph wind velocity, earthquakes, and other similar natural hazards.

The said core shelter units located in Bannawag Norte were awarded to the families during the inauguration ceremony held last August 22. The project was made possible in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of Santiago City.

Santiago City Mayor Joseph Salvador Tan acknowledged the efforts of DSWD in staying true to its mandate of promoting the welfare of the vulnerable sectors.

For her part, DSWD OIC- Regional Director Ponciana P. Condoy encouraged the families to give importance to the many livelihood opportunities available to them so that they can support their families and maintain the upkeep of their new houses.

“Now that you’re out of danger, focus on enhancing your skills as there are lots of livelihood opportunities available to you from your LGU, DSWD, other agencies and private enterprises, “said OIC-Dir. Condoy.

DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo, on the other hand, emphasized that  the implementation of rehabilitation programs of the Department for the victims of disasters should be efficient as these families need them the most.

“Maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo ang kailangan ng mga nawalan ng bahay dahil sa sakuna, maging ang mga pamilyang nakatira sa di ligtas na lugar (Efficient and compassionate service is urgently needed by those who lost their houses due to calamities and/or those living in highly dangerous areas),” Sec. Taguiwalo said.

On her first day in office, Sec. Taguiwalo said that the Department under her leadership will ensure the timely and adequate response to emergencies and calamities. ###