The rainy season is on its way in the Philippines. A year ago, Typhoon Haiyan devastated 1.1 million homes and caused the deaths of more than 6,000 people. The damage caused by Haiyan is still being repaired.
Intensive construction is underway in the Western Samar region, in the municipalities of Basey and Marabut. A total of 135 new houses have already been completed, with another 65 yet to be built. The Finnish Red Cross cooperates with the Philippine Red Cross to provide assistance to families whose homes were partially or completely destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan.
During the year-long project, 200 families who lost their homes are provided with building materials, such as corrugated sheets and wood, for the construction of entirely new typhoon proof housing. The construction project involves local carpenters and family members who receive pay for the work they do.
Another 600 families whose homes were damaged are provided with corrugated sheets and technical support to help with the repairs. The houses are primarily built and renovated using local materials.
In addition to the construction work, 800 villagers are provided with training in carpentry. After the project concludes, the certificate obtained from the training will improve their opportunities to earn a living. The implementation of the project is monitored on location by an aid worker sent by the Finnish Red Cross.
The Finnish Red Cross provides EUR 588,000 of the total budget, with the remaining 90% of the funding provided by the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO). The Spanish and German Red Cross organisations are also involved in the project. The project will continue until the end of the year.