‘Yolanda’ victims receive disaster-resistant homes

British life insurer Pru Life UK, through its regional charitable arm Prudence Foundation and in cooperation with international nongovernment organization Habitat for Humanity Philippines (Habitat), has turned over 64 disaster-resistant homes to survivors of Typhoon “Yolanda” in Barangay (village) Maricaban, Santa Fe (Bantayan Island), Cebu.

The 64 homes make up the first batch of the 133 shelter houses built by Prudential agents and employees, all volunteers, from 12 Asian countries and the United Kingdom during the three-part Regional PruVolunteer Program held in 2014 and 2015. The program is part of Prudence Foundation’s $2-million commitment to support the relief and long-term recovery effort in areas ravaged by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan).

“We are very thankful that our municipality was chosen to be the beneficiary of Prudence Foundation and Habitat for their disaster recovery initiative,” Santa Fe Mayor Jose Esgana said at the recent turnover ceremony. “It is a wonderful partnership founded by sincerity in sharing what they have and helping those who are in need.”

Dedication, commitment

To the recipients of the houses, Esgana said: “It is also because of your help that this project became a reality. As you start to live in this place, I ask for your dedication and commitment to make this a community where responsibility, discipline and prudence thrive.”

The turned-over homes can withstand a magnitude-8 earthquake and winds of up to 275 kilometers per hour.

Prudence Foundation executive director Marc Fancy thanked Mayor Esgana, the local government and Habitat for their support in implementing the disaster recovery program.

“Life insurance is about protection. We hope that these houses provide you with the same protection as you continue to recover from the effects of the typhoon,” he said, adding: “It is lovely to see the locals again, and this time moving into their new houses. From the bottom of our hearts, we sincerely wish our home partners a secure future.”

Boats, pedicabs

The housing support is part of Prudence Foundation’s continuing assistance to the residents of Bantayan Island. Last year, it turned over 183 motorized boats with fishing nets and 140 pedicabs to the residents as part of its sustainable livelihood support for the Yolanda survivors.

Prudence Foundation trustee and Pru Life UK president and CEO Antonio Manuel de Rosas emphasized the private sector’s role in contributing to nation-building.

“As a life insurance company, we believe that we should be part of nation-building and do what we can to help make economic growth inclusive to the majority of the population,” he said.

“One of the basic needs to be able to participate or contribute to inclusive growth is shelter, and we are grateful to Habitat for helping us address this need for the Yolanda survivors on Bantayan.”