HFH Philippines Aims To Help 25,000 Typhoon-Affected Families

With the Ayos Bahay Challenge, HFH Philippines aims to distribute shelter repair kits to survivors, including those hit by the floods and landslides caused by Typhoon Saola (local name: Gener) in areas such as Marakina City, Metro Manila. Photo: Reuters/Tim Chong, courtesy the Thomson Reuters Foundation – AlertNet.

The coffee table book pays tribute to HFH Philippines’ donors as well as Habitat’s partner families and supporters. Photo: HFH Philippines.

Launch of Ayos Bahay Challenge as well as “I Build My Philippines” coffee-table book to mark HFH Philippines’ 25th anniversary

Ahead of its 25th anniversary next year, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has launched the Ayos Bahay Challenge among a slew of events. Ayos Bahay is loosely translated as “good house” in Tagalog language.

The challenge aims to distribute shelter repair kits to 25,000 disaster-affected families, including those displaced by the late July floods and landslides caused by Typhoon Saola (locally known as Gener). Shelter repair kits contain items such as lumber, roofing, wall solutions, tools, and nails. To donate, click here.

Meanwhile, HFH Philippines thanked donors and supporters and highlighted its 25-year journey in a coffee-table book, “I Build My Philippines”. The 352-page book was launched during a gala dinner in Manila. Guests included government and corporate dignitaries and members of the Habitat Youth Council.

HFH Philippines’ ambassadors were also present—actor/model Matteo Guidicelli, actor/VJ Derek Ramsay, congressman and boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, broadcast journalist Karen Davila, basketball star Chris Tiu, TV host/actor Kim Atienza and news anchor Arnold Clavio.

“I Build My Philippines” expressed Habitat’s gratitude to donors, such as San Miguel Corporation and the government Department of Social Welfare and Development which donated a total of about 450 million pesos (US10.6 million).

Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay said at the book’s launch: “Habitat for Humanity has done much to slake nation’s thirst for dignified housing. Just as we seek to create communities, Habitat goes beyond building mere shelters and labors to create sustainable communities to uplift Filipino families.” For more photos and updates, please visit HFH Philippines’ Facebook page.