The main island of Luzon has not even begun recovering from Super Typhoon Rolly (Goni) and the COVID-19 pandemic when Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco), ravaged the area causing massive floods in several provinces and in the central part of Luzon. The catastrophe affected over 4.8 million people across 7,197 barangays from eight (8) regions including the National Capital Region.
On October 2020 until November 2020, over 92,000 displaced individuals were staying in evacuation centers as the typhoon damaged 144,452 houses of which 13.5% were totally destroyed. Despite the relief operations and programs initiated by the government, non-government institutions and the civil society, additional support was needed to reach all the families affected.
Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) , in partnership with the local government units, charitable organizations and individuals aim to support the long-term recovery through safe and decent shelter and enable the vulnerable families and communities to thrive and be ready for future disasters. This is under HFHP’s Project called Resilient, Inclusive, Sustainable and Empowered (RISE) Communities Program
Learn more about HFHP: https://www.habitat.org.ph/
In December 2020, Phelps Dodge Philippines Energy Products Corporation, entered into an agreement with Habitat for Humanity Philippines in support of the Super Typhoon Rolly (Goni) and Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco) Disaster Response Projects where hygiene kits were distributed to families devastated by the two recent calamities.
A total of PhP1,771,370.00 was donated by Phelps Dodge Philippines, equivalent to 200 Hygiene and Sanitation Kits that were allocated to identified beneficiary families in Bicol, and in Cagayan – North Luzon.
Each kit amounts to P8,857 or $179 and contains the following: 1 pc water container – 10 pcs bath soap – 3 pcs laundry soap 6 – pcs toothbrush – 2 tubes toothpaste – 2 pcs nail cutter – 2 packs sanitary pads – 12 pcs underwear (male & female) – 1 pc bath towel – 1 bottle shampoo – 1 pc plastic dipper – 2 pcs water bucket with cover – 2 bottles insect repellant – 50 pcs face mask (disposable) – 5 pcs face shield – 2 bottles alcohol – 2 bottles disinfectant
Habitat for Humanity did not only give out sanitary kits with the help of Phelps Dodge Philippines. They also implemented Hygiene Promotion through their IEC or Implementation, Education and Communication Program. This Program aims to support the transition of the affected communities into the new normal living standards and adapt to the new protocols.
This Program was able to carry out an Information Session that highlighted proper hygiene practices.
This program also came with 10 pedal-operated handwashing stations serving at least 1,818 households, and the orientation of at least 100 community leaders on the operation and maintenance of the handwashing facility. This serves to help the community maintain the hygiene, safety and health standard set by the program.
Overall, the partnership between HFHP and PDP helped over 2 Regions, 2 Cities, 16 Communities, 200 Families, and over 1,000 Individuals.
Phelps Dodge Philippines in Partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines will continue in helping Filipinos as we work #TogetherinCreatingASaferTomorrow.