Three hundred families from Brgy. Bulol, Ligawasan (Pikit), in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), are set to regain normalcy after their homes were damaged by flash floods caused by Typhoon Carina. These families received non-food items (NFIs) through an e-voucher distribution program conducted by the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) and supported by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) on October 31, 2024.
The MHSD team, led by Director II for Operations and Management Services, Salem C. Demuna, REA, and CRS Deputy Program Manager Bai Maroudz Ibrahim, spearheaded the initiative. Beneficiaries flocked to accredited vendors to redeem PHP 2,000-worth e-vouchers, enabling them to purchase essential household items lost or damaged during the typhoon.
Items purchased included bowls, chopping boards, cups, dish drainers, utensils, kettles, knives, mugs, pans, plates, pots, spoons, blankets, clip fans, flashlights, insect repellents, mats, mosquito nets, solar lamps, and tarpaulins.
Prior to the distribution, CRS and MHSD’s Housing and Human Settlements Division thoroughly assessed the selected vendors to ensure quality and accessibility. The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) of Ligawasan provided the official count of beneficiaries based on data from the Situational Report (SitRep) by the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI)-BARMM, detailing totally and partially damaged houses. Specific names of beneficiaries were supplied by the Local Government Units (LGU) of Ligawasan.
This collaborative effort highlights BARMM’s commitment to addressing the immediate needs of disaster-stricken communities while ensuring accountability and effective delivery of aid. Families affected by Typhoon Carina now have the resources to start rebuilding their homes and lives.
