Bahrain building 200+ houses, Internet cafe for Yolanda survivors in Palawan

Survivors of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Palawan nearly two years ago will benefit from more than 200 houses being built by Bahrain.

The Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS) is heading the $2-million project in the province, Gulf Daily News reported.

Aside from the 213 houses, the project includes a vocational training center for residents to learn new skills, the report said.

BRCS secretary-general Dr. Fawzi Ameen said the project was funded by Bahrain’s Royal Charity Organization, as part of an agreement with the Philippine Red Cross.

“The project of building the shelter homes and a vocational center in Palawan is on track and should be completed by the yearend,” he told GDN.

But he said this was one of the most challenging projects the BRCS had undertaken. He said tribal communities are scattered in remote islands.

“I have to travel by plane, bus and then a boat to reach one of the areas where shelter is being built,” he said.

Yolanda tore through the Visayas in November 2013, leaving more than 6,300 dead.

Bahrain took part in the international community's response to help survivors recover from the disaster.

Stronger houses

Ameen said they need to build houses with strong materials that are more resistant to typhoons and heavy rainfall.

“We are using concrete blocks to support the timber and plywood upper structure of the house,” he said, adding a toilet is built outside.

Internet cafe

Meanwhile, Ameen said they plan to set up an Internet cafe to connect remote villages to the rest of the world.

“Some young men and women who studied in cities have a different outlook and when they return to their village they have no Internet,” he said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News