GMA News Online News » Regions

At least 101 families affected by tropical storm "Sendong" (Washi) are now occupying 12 bunkhouses in Cagayan de Oro City, one of the areas hit hardest by the cyclone.

 

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman said the bunkhouses were constructed in Xavier University-Ecoville, designated a permanent relocation site.

 

In a news release, the DSWD said 40 families were initially transferred to the site by Jan. 25, when President Benigno Aquino III visited the city.

 

Last Feb. 1, 61 more families were relocated there, even as 19 other families are set to be moved to the area soon, it added.

 

Each bunkhouse has a kitchen, latrines and bathing areas, and lighting fixtures. The Army's 52nd Engineering Brigade constructed the bunkhouses.

 

Meanwhile, the DSWD said families staying at the West City Central School and City Central School will be moving to Calaanan Tent City on February 10 to 15.

 

"(This is) so that they will now have some private place to stay,” Soliman said.

 

So far, according to the DSWD, there are 501 families staying at the West City Central School and 171 families at the City Central School.

 

The DSWD said it will also give family packs to the evacuees and seed capital for small-scale businesses they can start through the department’s livelihood program. 

 

The DSWD has also been providing stress debriefing to the survivors of “Sendong” even as it called on volunteer-psychologists to assist them in the task. –KG, GMA News