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Philippine Red Cross Turns Over 172 Transitional Shelters in La Union In line with the anniversary of the dreadful typhoon that had jeopardized Northern Luzon late last year—Typhoon Pepeng—the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) formally turned over 172 transitional shelters to the vulnerable victims who were basically left homeless by its wrath in the province of La Union. Today, October 6, 2010, PRC La Union Chapter dutifully gathered all the beneficiaries—from 19 different barangays in the municipalities of Naguilian, Bauang, Bagulin, Aringay and Tubao—in Naguilian Civic Center to personally attend the awarding ceremony. PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn T. Pang and International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) Country Representative Selvaratnam Sinnadurai graced the said event with their presence. After a short mass in commemoration of the fretful tragedy, the 3 reputable visitors gave out their words of wisdom and encouragement to the affected families who are still struggling to recover from the trauma caused by Typhoon Pepeng. "This is probably the best timing for us to formally award them their new homes,: said Gordon. He explained, "At least, it will somehow lessen the painful memories brought about by the unexpected calamity that had hit them around the same time last year. In the upcoming future, instead of remembering the traumatizing experience marked by 2009's onslaught, they are more likely to bear in mind the blessings they have received a year after—not only the house per se, but the gift of second chance, a new life in general." Apart from the housing, PRC La Union Chapter confirmed that they are currently working on the livelihood assistance program for the relocated beneficiaries, so that they can once and for all stand on their own feet. On the other hand, prior to the distribution of full transitional shelters, it has also been reported that PRC was able to dispense a total of 326 shelter repair kits to victims who were left with partially damaged houses in the 5 abovementioned municipalities. |