Globe Telecom allocates P7.5M for Habitat for Humanity to build and repair homes in Northern Cebu, Eastern Samar

Photo 1: Globe and Habitat for Humanity employee volunteers give out shelter kits to residents of Guiuan, Eastern Samar

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom has allocated P7.5 million for the building of homes and distribution of shelter repair kits in Daanbantayan, Cebu and Guiuan, Eastern Samar in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, an international housing organization. 

Daanbantayan in the northern tip of Cebu province was where Typhoon Yolanda made the third landfall in November 8 last year while Guiuan was the first town to be hit by the severe weather disturbance.  Latest statistics show that Typhoon Yolanda has totally wiped out 550,928 houses and partially destroyed 589,404 dwellings in regions 4-A, 4-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, and CARAGA.

The partnership with Habitat is part of Globe Telecom’s recently launched “Project Wonderful” (www.projectwonderful.ph) which is its corporate response to nation building -- providing shelter to the homeless, bringing education to the children, and generating livelihood opportunities for the jobless.  All these with the aid of employee volunteers who want to bring the provinces of Palawan, Panay Island, North Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar back on their feet.

“Globe is one with the government in its efforts to help the country recover from the recent devastation.  And one of the things necessary to rebuild the communities and bring back a semblance of normalcy is for the victims to again have their own homes instead of living in tents or makeshift shelters.  That is why we have forged a partnership with Habitat for Humanity as well as Gawad Kalinga for the provision of homes or building materials to those affected,” said Fernando Esguerra, OIC, Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

Globe will sponsor the rebuilding of 500 homes in Brgy. Logon, Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan in addition to providing logistical support to Habitat for the delivery of shelter repair kits to some 6,000 affected households in Guiuan.

Photo 2: A portion of the shelter repair kits for distribution

The shelter repair kits include six pieces marine plywood, eight pieces corrugated galvanized iron sheets, 10 pieces 2x3x210 good lumber, two pieces plain sheets, assorted nails, a hammer, and a saw.  The materials may be used to construct a small dwelling or to patch up the walls and roofs of houses.

Habitat is also planning to bring over carpenters to assist the residents in constructing their homes aside from giving trainings to the beneficiaries on the proper use of the materials.

Photo 3: One of the numerous houses destroyed in Guiuan

Since 1988, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has played an active role in working with families to build decent, durable and affordable housing. Through a network of project offices in rural and urban areas, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has built and repaired tens of thousands of homes.