There are high hopes for those still trying to rebuild their future after the devastating effects of super typhoon Yolanda that hit the Philippines in early November 2013.
Numerous not-for-profit mission organisations have since helped displaced groups and individuals resettle into new housing and return to the lifestyle they enjoyed before the typhoon.
One of the groups leading the charge has been the Buckets For Jesus organisation, which last month inaugurated the first phase of its ‘Housing For Jesus’ project with a blessing and handover ceremony at the Yolanda Village – a relocation site in Bogo City.
Perth Permanent Deacon Trevor Lyra, his wife Deirdre, and the Perth-based Soh family, all of whom are involved in Buckets For Jesus, travelled to the Philippines with a group of companions and relatives to assist in the mission.
The event began with a Mass and blessing of all the new homes, followed by a formal ceremony with speeches.
Beneficiaries were then handed the keys and contracts to their new homes by Buckets For Jesus co-ordinator Ruby Soh and the local Mayor.
“The new housing project will finally allow us to sustain ourselves, because we are very far from the market and schools,” said head of Yolanda Village, Nene Arnoco, as she reflected on the benefits of the relocation.
“We are also hoping to receive some help and support from the government once the new residents have settled in,” she added.
New resident Joahna Untal explained her situation prior to moving into her new home, and emphasised how the resettlement will give her a much needed boost to forget the past and focus on the future.
“We were living near the sea before and were not really worried about the effects of a natural disaster. The typhoon changed that completely,” Ms Untal said.
“We were blessed to discover that we were chosen as one of the beneficiaries for Buckets for Jesus. Living in a safe place such as this has eased many of our worries about encountering another typhoon.
“This time we are more focused on giving our kids a better future and education. Having our own house has been the fulfilment of a dream. It is now time to give our children a better future and education.”
Bogo City Mayor Martinez Jr was grateful to Buckets for Jesus for its implementation of the housing project and the way it is helping his people.
“Many of these families were living in shacks that they did not own; now they are living in a place they can call a home. It’s something that they cannot imagine. This village consists of 150 houses – it is truly wonderful,” he said.
Mayor Martinez also explained how the government played a part in supporting Bogo’s Yolanda Village.
“Aid coming from the government organisations and from NGOs has significantly helped these people return to a dignified lifestyle,” he said.
“They were not only given houses, but they were also supported with livelihood programs.”
Buckets For Jesus co-ordinator Mrs Soh explained that the Housing for Jesus Project would not have happened without support and fundraising.
“We appealed to our contacts and individual friends and co-ordinated fundraising events like garage sales, a dinner dance, a spring roll drive, a quiz night and more. Praise God, kindhearted people both here and in Singapore came forward and helped us raise the first 100 homes,” she said.
“For the first time in their lives, these families now own a permanent home. They are so grateful and promised to look after their new living spaces.”
Information courtesy Michael Soh