Build typhoon-resistant houses in vulnerable areas, gov’t told

Fishermen in Navotas City secure their boats behind the Manila Bay breakwater earlier this week in preparation for Typhoon Ulysses. (INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)

MANILA, Philippines — The government should build storm-resistant houses for Filipinos residing in the country’s eastern seaboard and other flood-prone areas, a lawmaker said on Friday.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co noted that each year, an average of 20 tropical cyclones visit the country, hence the government should consider building stronger homes for the most vulnerable Filipinos.

“Instead of using public schools as evacuation centers, moving people out of harm’s way during every storm, and eventually spending public funds to help repair damaged homes, we should consider more permanent solutions,” he said in a statement.

The lawmaker made the suggestion after Typhoon Ulysses left extensive damage and displaced thousands of residents in Metro Manila, Southern Luzon and the Bicol region.

Co proposed that the government set up a five-year Core Shelter Assistance (CSA) program which is technically a Disaster Resilience Program.

This can be done by providing shelters made of slabs with concrete hollow block walls with corresponding windows and doors.

To minimize costs, he said these concrete houses will just be roughly finished.

“The structure must be designed to withstand even 380 kilometer-per-hour winds. Per my estimate, each house will cost around P120,000.00 to P150,000.00 which the national government shall provide. The land will be identified and donated by the respective local government units because they know the terrain where these shelters can be safely built,” he explained.

The main beneficiaries of the CSA program should be the 4P beneficiaries whose homes are located near the eastern seaboard of the Philippines and/or along frequently flooded riverbanks, Co said.

Regarding the source of funds, he said the government is already spending billions to evacuate, feed, provide temporary shelter, and repair damaged homes of the poor.

“The CSA program ensures that beneficiaries’ homes shall not be destroyed by strong typhoons. At the same time, it will prevent frequent government expenses to restore or repair destroyed houses of the poorest of the poor located in the typhoon belt,” he said.

Currently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development extends at least P5,000 in assistance to typhoon victims whose homes were completely destroyed Co said.

Meanwhile, typhoon victims whose houses have partial damage receive P3,000 each.

He likewise proposed that the government provide safe docking or storage areas for fishing boats.

“Livelihood and lack of alternatives are the most common reason why people don’t want or choose not to relocate. We hope to change that through my proposal. Let’s give them safe and decent shelter while providing a secure area where they can leave their boats during typhoons,” he said.

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