The Diocese of Surigao in the southern Philippines has started a housing project for the “poorest of the poor families” who lost their homes during the onslaught of Typhoon Odetter in December.
Bishop Antonieto Cabajog said the diocese plans to build up to 170 housing units that can stand strong winds and rain.
“The house is small but comfortable,” said the prelate in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas 846. “It’s weather-proof and complete with one bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen, and comfort room,” he added.
Bishop Cabajog thanked all those who provided support for the project. He said the donations will be used as additional funds for the diocese’s housing project.
“With the grace of God, many offered help, that’s why we will use it for the poorest of the poor,” he said.
Typhoon Odette left a damage of over one billion pesos to the agriculture and fishery sectors in Surigao del Norte.
The typhoon also destroyed 838.5 million pesos worth of infrastructures, including provincial roads, bridges, farm-to-market roads, public markets, isolation facilities, and covered courts.
Private structures in the different towns in the province, including churches, gas stations, and private commercial buildings also suffered a 12.7-million-peso damage.
Typhoon Odette made landfall in the province, particularly in Siargao Island on Dec. 16, 2021, displacing about 48,204 families or 157,052 individuals, and left 25 dead, 86 injured, and 26 missing persons.
