ANCOP Canada International partners with SM Cares to build houses for families displaced by super typhoon Haiyan
Efforts are under way for the building of typhoon-resilient homes for 400 family victims in Central Philippines where thousands of people died and hundreds of thousands left homeless when super typhoon Haiyan hit this part of the country in 2013.
ANCOP Canada is undertaking this special shelter project in partnership with SM Cares the social arm of SM Prime, one of the largest property developers and mall chain conglomerates in Asia. The project is expected to be completed end of 2015, according to ANCOP President Ricky Cuenca. ANCOP Canada is funding the construction of 100 units.
SM Cares funds the construction of 300 other houses. It also oversees the construction of all housing units and the development of a forested land into an integrated housing village complete with community facilities including community and sport centers. The land in New Kawayan, Tacloban City was donated by the Archdiocese of Palo through Archbishop John Du.
ANCOP volunteers, comprised mainly by members of Couples for Christ, will organize the families into a sustainable community by providing socio-economic support through values formation, skills development and livelihood programs.
ANCOP aims to bring three levels of transformation to the family beneficiaries, declares Ricky Cuenca. First is hope and dignity; second is the physical transformation of beneficiaries as they dwell in a hygienic and orderly environment; and third is long-term growth and transformation as families are assisted in their livelihood. More importantly, as children are supported for their education, they would be key in improving the economic condition of their families when they finish school and get employed.
Local church volunteers and other civic and social groups and government agencies pledge support to sustain rehabilitation and ensure development in this community. For their part the beneficiaries help paint the houses and create gardens. They commit to maintain the cleanliness and peace and order in the community.
ANCOP Canada is seeking funding from government and private organizations to further its efforts for the Haiyan victims.