GMA Kapuso Foundation turns over 60 houses to Sendong victims in Iligan

GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), in collaboration with the city government of Iligan, completed the second phase of its Kapuso Village in Purok Tubaran, Barangay Mandulog, Iligan City as it turned over 60 composite type row houses to displaced victims of typhoon Sendong.

The turnover ceremony for phase II was conducted last February 21 and led by GMAKF Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Mel C. Tiangco, along with Barangay Mandulog Punong Barangay Abungal P. Cauntongan, Al Haj, and Iligan City Mayor Celso G. Regencia.

Beneficiaries of the project were also present to witness the ceremony. Chosen by the Kapuso Village Housing Committee composed of representatives from GMAKF, the City Social Welfare and Development, Housing and Resettlement office, City Mayor’s Office, and barangay council, the beneficiaries are primarily those whose houses were completely destroyed by the typhoon.

The turnover marks the completion of the 180-unit housing project in the city. Phase I of the project, composed of 120 units in Purok 17, Barangay Mandulog was turned over last April 2013.

Each unit is typically designed with a fiber-cement board ceiling, a paved front deck, toilet and bath, a paved laundry area, and provisions for bedroom, living, dining and kitchen facilities. The units were also supplied with home appliances donated by Hanabishi.

A community tree-planting was also held on the same day, with staff and volunteers from GMAKF, Phase 1 and Phase 2 beneficiaries, and members of the barangay council planting 350 seedlings along the riverbank near the resettlement area.

GMAKF has had numerous rehabilitation projects in the city to address the devastation left by typhoon Sendong. Among these are the construction of a 10-classroom school building in Mandulog Elementary School, and the drilling and installation of a deepwell water facility in Sitio Cabaro, and a Jet-matic handpump in Purok 6, both in Barangay Upper Hinaplanon.

Another 2-classroom structure was also erected in the Deus Caritas Village Phase II in Barangay Upper Tominobo, Iligan City.