PALANOG, TACLOBAN CITY — Another 16 families were granted free houses at Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines’ (OB) Community of Hope (COH) in Palanog, Tacloban City, completing the first 100 families living inside OB’s first permanent shelter project.
With a new home and renewed hope, the families expressed and shared their joy through tears and laughter during the turnover ceremony at the COH community center. “I’m glad! We now have our own house! We’ll no longer be driven out,” new COH house recipient Antonio Haropohop said.
Prior to the house turnover, which was attended by Operation Blessing’s Community Organizers and Partners from PinoyItForward Movement, OB held a 2-day family retreat for the recipients at the COH-Palanog.
“We want them to bond as a family because it’s not typical for families to experience camping together,” says Community Organizer Pamela Gayas.
The family camp was conducted with a prayer walk around the community, sharing of the families’ visions for their own household and the community, and values formation for all ages.
“I really enjoyed and learned a lot. Ever since my mom died, I’ve been a loner. But now, I love to socialize with other families in our group.” One of the beneficiaries, Maricel Siller, shared.
Through your help, Operation Blessing successfully met its initial plan of building and occupying 100 houses. The plan is to develop a more sustainable community through having agricultural and livestock farming, livelihood programs, market place, transport terminal, and health and recreational centers.
You can be a part of achieving this God-given mission to our kababayans devastated by calamities. Partner with Operation Blessing today as we build a community of hope and empowerment! Call (+632) 8-477-7802 to 04 or go to the Operation Blessing website to know how.
