‘Yolanda’ survivors relocated ahead of Pope Francis visit

By: Nestor Corrales - 10 years ago

THE TRANSITIONAL houses built, not by the government, but by a nongovernment organization offer some degree of comfort for “Yolanda” survivors.

THE TRANSITIONAL houses buil for “Yolanda” survivors.

MANILA, Philippines—Super Typhoon “Yolanda” survivors from more than 250 families in Palo, Leyte will be relocated ahead of the papal visit of Pope Francis in January 2015.

In a report by the CBCP News, Fr. Rex Ramirez of the Archdiocese of Palo confirmed that the local government unit (LGU) of Palo would transfer Yolanda survivors from the Government Compound in Cadanhug village to their permanent houses readied by the government.

Ramirez said the Government Compound would likely be utilized during the papal visit.

“I had a meeting with Palo LGU officials, and they informed me that the deadline for the relocation of Yolanda survivors is due in November,” Ramirez was quoted as saying.

He, however, said that if the permanent houses would not be finished by November, the Palo LGU would have to move residents to their temporary shelters in other parts of Palo.

Although Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman has confirmed that there would be relocations of those living in tents, she said this is not due to the papal visit but in accordance with an already established government plan.

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Philippines from January 15 to 19. He will meet with survivors of Yolanda.