DSWD Assistant Secretary Hope V. Hervilla graced the official turn-over of 150 core shelter units and 10 Child Development Centers to the typhoon-affected families of Rosales, Pangasinan recently.

ASec. Hervilla emphasized DSWD’s immediate response and nurturing strategy to the less fortunate and vulnerable families. She further assured the people of Rosales on DSWD’s accessible and reformed services they are rightful of (“Kami ang maglilingkod sa inyo. Karapatan ninyo ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno. Pagtulungan natin ito tungo sa panibagong pagbabago sa pamamagitan ng DSWD at ng ating gobyerno”).

“Napakalaking tulong itong natanggap namin sa gobyerno, hindi na ako magsasalok ng tubig ulan galing sa aming bubong (What we received from the government is very helpful, I will no longer be bothered by rain dripping from our broken roof),” core shelter owner Teresa Aris said as she held back her tears during the program.

Ms. Aris is the president of the beneficiaries’ group called Neigborhood Association for Shelter Assistance (NASA).

On the other hand, proper care and ownership of these projects were reminded by Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo to the recipients of the core shelter houses and Child Development Centers. “No unit should be sold. Those who will leave their units should coordinate with NASA for appropriate replacement,” Dir. Castillo further said.

Led by Mayor Susan P. Casareno, the Local Government Unit of Rosales donated the 2,000 square meter lot and the site development funds, among others, for the row houses built for these typhoon victim families. Partnership with the National Housing Authority and other private groups was also fostered.

The Core Shelter Assistance Program is designed to assist disaster victims build safe, structurally strong, and typhoon-resistant houses in partnership with the Local Government Unit and communities. (by: Iryn D. Cubangbang, Information Officer II