BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — The Habitat for Humanity Philippines Foundation Inc. is building 546 earthquake- and storm-proof houses for informal settlers in Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City, Negros Occidental.
Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific area vice president Rick Hathaway said they will use an engineered bamboo design, which is earthquake-resilient.
Hathaway, who led the groundbreaking last Thursday, said the construction will be done in phases, with 86 housing units to be initially constructed.
He said they will require only “sweat equity” from the identified beneficiaries, who will render 400 hours of service to build their houses and those of their neighbors.
The initial housing units to be constructed in duplexes are valued at more than P40 million.
Habitat also constructed houses for victims of the Bohol earthquake and Super Typhoon Yolanda, before proceeding to other areas, including Negros Occidental.
The project is aimed to be completed in 36 months, from construction training set today.