PRC Antipolo shelter beneficiaries deserve their new found homes

"We did not award the shelters to the 355 Typhoon Ondoy affected families out of mere pity. We did it because they deserve it," Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard J. Gordon firmly stated in line with the PRC Antipolo shelters turnover ceremony held at Sitio Sumilang, Barangay San Jose, Antipolo, Rizal yesterday (December 22).

And to further elaborate this thought, he added, "The Philippine Red Cross is never all about spoon-feeding, and this is the reason why we incorporated a sweat equity program in this project."

The sweat equity program is an arrangement between the PRC and the beneficiaries, which requires the latter to participate in the actual construction of their homes. Its purpose is to uplift the dignity of the typhoon-affected population by showing them that they are not passive recipients of what the PRC has to offer, but rather an active partner of the organization in alleviating human suffering and uplifting human dignity.

"At least, through this program, these families could further appreciate the value of their new homes, since they themselves built it with their own hands," Gordon uttered in line with the advantages of this program.

To date, 400 transitional shelters have already been completed in Antipolo; but unfortunately, not all were distributed yesterday since some of the recipients of the said project are still halfway from concluding their responsibilities, as posed by the sweat equity program.

Other than the transitional shelters, on the other hand, the 355 beneficiaries yesterday received additional benefits, such as, kitchen sets and sanitation kits. And by January next year, the PRC will start the livelihood program for them, with Php 7,000.00 starting capital.

The PRC has much more than material things in store. More importantly than tangible things that provide relief, what the PRC aims to offer is an opportunity for the vulnerable to regain their dignity their own way; and be the help they need, not only for the benefit of their own well-being, but also for the benefit of others.


www.redcross.org.ph