DAPA, Siargao Island (MindaNews /22 Feb) – Survivors of super typhoon “Odette” are getting a little help in rebuilding their homes as donors are lending them carpentry and masonry tools for free.
The Junior Chamber International-Surigao Nickel launched its project dubbed “ToolongKit Project: Rebuilding Homes, Rebuilding Lives” on Monday in Barangay Union in this municipality.
Felix Vincent “Thirdy” Chua III, president of JCI-Surigao Nickel, said the project aims to lend the tools to typhoon survivors.
“Our intervention is that we provide tools and after a period of time, we go to the villages to optimize the use of tools,” he said.
The JCI set up tents in the village where the people can borrow the tools for free.
Aside from the basic tools, JCI is lending out a chainsaw for free as well, the borrower to pay only P1,500 for the team of operators.
“We believe that achieving victory in this crisis brought about by super typhoon ‘Odette’ starts with small acts of good deeds and as JCI members we should be the givers of hope to the people,” Chua said.
At least 50 sets of tools were lent out to villagers in Barangay Union.
“We are rebuilding our homes with these tools and we can also fix our boats and farming equipment,” said Luis Nohara.
Rey Mantilla, whose house was destroyed during the onslaught of typhoon “Odette,” said he can effectively rebuild his house with the brand new equipment.
He narrated that they earlier got help from other donors in the form of corrugated sheets and plywood. “But we don’t have the tools, so this project is what we need,” he said in Sinurigao.
Prior to the launching the tool-lending project, JCI-Surigao Nickel conducted a free dental mission in Santa Monica town on the same day.
At least a hundred individuals have availed of the free dental services.
(Roel N. Catoto / MindaNews)