World Vision launches shelter project for quake-hit Bohol

As we start 2014, massive challenges lay ahead as international relief organization World Vision continues its work in earthquake-stricken Bohol. Emergency Response in the hardest-hit areas is now on its recovery phase.

Bebeth Tiu, Director for Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs said, “World Vision is concerned about ensuring safe living spaces for children and their families as heavy rains and aftershocks are still prevalent in quake-hit areas.”

World Vision's core shelter project is ongoing, targeting housing assistance for around 3,500 people in Maribojoc and Antequera. Non-food items like blankets, towels and mosquito nets and plastic mat will also be provided to more than 1000 families who are still staying in tents in far-flung villages.

Nico Ninolas, WV staff said, “Ongoing social preparations include consultations with the communities, local government and other partner agencies to make sure that they are involved from project planning to implementation. We need to ensure that the shelter project also meets international standards as agreed upon during shelter cluster meetings.”

Stakeholder participation will continue to move forward and include activities around ensuring land use agreements, proper land preparation and safe building practices. Disaster risk reduction (DRR) trainings will also be included to promote disaster preparedness as part of the recovery efforts.

“We want children and families to be better prepared when another disaster strikes. This all starts with homes that are better built which later on they can further enhance as their livelihoods improve in the coming months and years,” Ninolas added.

More resources are needed to assist the thousands who are left homeless three months after the quake. It will take time before people's livelihood pick up and thousands of displaced are relying on aid to help restore their homes and community.

Earlier, World Vision's relief response provided urgent food and hygiene supplies for 7,015 families benefiting 35,075 individuals in 6 priority areas identified including Sagbayan which was the epicenter of the 7.2 earthquake.

Psychosocial support was initiated for 1,468 children through Child Friendly Spaces in communities and schools. 32 teachers in 4 schools were trained to give CFS sessions for school children who are affected by the earthquake.

World Vision calls for more intensified action to uphold children's education rights in the quake-hit areas. Back-to-school woes include damaged classrooms as teachers and children hold classes in tents. Children in emergencies also need to be protected from the risks of hazardous work in quake-hit areas, along other forms of child abuse and exploitation.

Around 4,589 assisted children in 3 Bohol development programs are safe and accounted for and will continue to receive support through various child-well being initiatives.

Considered as the Philippines' strongest earthquake in more than 20 years, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Central Philippines on October 15 wreaked massive devastation worth Php 2.25 billion (est USD 52.5 million) in infrastructure, agriculture and livelihood.

Major roads and bridges have undergone repairs while water and electricity have been restored in most of the affected areas. Occasional power interruptions are still being experienced after Bohol had to divert its source of power needs as Haiyan-battered power facilities in Leyte, which supplies Bohol’s electricity, are not yet fully functional since the storm’s aftermath.


Press release from World Vision