Family who suffered from recent typhoons receives new house and lot from Unang Hirit

A family from Barangay Baltan, Camarines Sur won a brand new house and lot from Unang Hirit after suffering the onslaught of the typhoons which passed last year.

Arjay Canlas Ruben, his wife Mary Anne, and their three children, one of whom was born in December, were overjoyed when they found out that they will be living in a more comfortable home this new year.

Out of 10,000 candidates, the 29-year-old construction worker and his family were chosen as the winner of the "Bagong Bahay promo" given by Unang Hirit in partnership with Lumina Homes.

Arjay lost projects amid the lockdown due to the pandemic. Luckily, months into the new normal, Arjay received a few jobs and was able to survive and provide for his family.

Just when things finally were looking up, Arjay and his family faced another challenge when typhoons started hitting the country at the latter part of 2020.

Arjay and his family are currently living in a 9-year-old house beside a creek which he himself built from the ground made of bamboo and anahaw leaves as a roof.

During storms, their house is flooded with hip-deep waters. Their family would evacuate and temporarily stay at his sibling's house for the safety of their family.

"Nung nalaman ko pong babagyo lumipat na po kami kasi alam kong bumabaha na dito," he said in an interview.

Their home was badly affected by the recent Typhoon Rolly. Arjay temporarily used plastic to cover one part of the roof but it has now been replaced with iron sheets.  One of their walls fell down due to the flood and was just recently put back up.

"Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng staff ng Unang Hirit at Lumina Homes. Sana marami po kayong matulungan hulog po kayo ng langit samin," Arjay said.

His wife Mary Anne said having a new home for their family is a dream come true for them. —Jannielyn Bigtas/MGP, GMA News