According to INC’s events spokesman, the projects site is located 18 kilometers from Tacloban City, which was considered “ground zero” of huge storm surges spawned by super Typhoon Yolanda, the strongest cyclone ever to hit land in recorded history.
A total of 1,000 housing units will soon rise in the 3,000-hectare property for the project, the INC said, adding 100 units have already been completed.
Also, the INC said the garments and dried fish factories are yet to be constructed within the property.
However, it said the housing project is exclusively for INC members only, but the livelihood
projects will eventually be open to non-members.
“If and when we need more workers and INC members cannot fill up the need, we might hire non-members,” said Bro. Edwil Zabala, the events’ spokesperson.
He said a variety of plants, rice, vegetables, cultured mushrooms, fruit-bearing trees and other crops will be cultivated for the Eco-Farming project.
INC’s executive minister Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo led the ribbon-cutting for the project at the launching event that was attended by INC brethren from different provinces in the Eastern Visayas.
Relief operation, and medical and dental mission followed at the Leyte National High School in Tacloban City.
Record-breaking charity walk
Almost a month ago, the INC made news for it’s record-breaking Worldwide Walk (WWW) for Yolanda (Haiyan) survivors.
The funds raised from the world’s largest charity walk were used for the welfare of its target beneficiaries, the INC said.
Held simultaneously in some 30 countries last February 15, 2014, the WWW had become a remarkable success for the INC.
It set two Guinness World Records, for the largest charity walk in a single venue (Metro Manila site) and for the largest charity walk in 24 hours (multiple venues).
Projects lauded
Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez graced the opening of the housing and livelihood ground-breaking ceremony.
“Natutuwa po kami at taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa mga kinauukulan ng INC sa kanilang pagbisita sa aming siyudad at paghahatid ng biyaya sa mga taong nasalanta ng Yolanda, hindi lamang sa Tacloban kundi pati na rin sa mga karatig-bayan namin dito sa Silangang Visayas,” Romualdez said.
Also, Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez expressed hope other sectors and organizations, as well as the business community, will follow the INC’s lead in assisting Yolanda survivors.
The lawmaker assured the INC of his all-out support for the speedy and smooth implementation of the INC’s charity projects in Alang-Alang, as well as in other areas that were badly hit by the killer typhoon. — Linda Bohol /LBG, GMA News
