As part of its post-Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) disaster response and recovery efforts, Cartwheel Foundation, Inc. together with its partners Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, Ateneo DReaM Team,  La Inmaculada Concepcion Parish, and the local administrative councils of Brgy. Baldat, Brgy. Osmeña and Brgy. Libis, commenced construction of disaster resilient multi-purpose halls in its three partner Tagbanua communities with symbolic groundbreaking ceremonies in Sitios Alulad and Chindonan.

The initiative was identified as a priority project by the aforementioned development organizations, to provide a conducive learning environment for Cartwheel’s Tagbanua learners and, at the same time, ensure that there is a structurally secure place where families can evacuate to in times of calamity.

Cartwheel teacher Lilia Diaz shares through text her experience: “Natapos din nang matagumpay ang launching ng evacuation center ng Alulad at Chindonan. Si Badong Lido ang nagsalita bilang kinatawan ng mga Tagbanua ng pagtanggap. Nandoon si Chairman Evangelista ng Alulad. Halos lahat ng mamamayan ng Alulad ay dumalo kaya masaya ang nasabing okasyon. Lambat at taga na nylon ang nilagay sa capsule at binaon sa hukay. Masaya ang lahat na nagsalu-salo ng tanghalian matapos ang seremonya.”   (“The successful launch of the evacuation centers for Alulad and Chindonan has finally been completed. Badong Lido gave the welcome remarks as representative of the Tagbanuas. Chairman Evangelista of Alulad was present as well. Almost all the community members of Alulad were present, making it a joyous occasion. A fishing net and hook were placed in the [time] capsule that was buried underground. Everyone was happy sharing a meal together after the ceremony.”)

Highlights of the event are captured in the photos below.

 

 

Photo credits: Elee Mar Bulotano of Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan

For more photos from the groundbreaking ceremonies, please feel free to visit Cartwheel Foundation’s Facebook page.