48 persons with disabilities to benefit from shelter project

CBM-ASE and partner Resources for the Blind, Inc. turned over 13 duplex houses to 48 persons with disabilities in Bogo City, Cebu.

The Bohol family gratefully walks inside their new home. Their son Willance, a child with visual impairment, is one of the recipients of a new house in Barangay Cayang, Bogo City.

He is one of the 48 persons with disabilities who received houses through a shelter project initiated by Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI), a non-government Christian organization serving blind people all over the Philippines, and CBM. It was also supported by the local government of Bogo City.

The project aims to provide safe, accessible, and resilient houses for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable sectors of society. Each unit has accessibility features, including ramps and universal design restrooms, and follows the 16-minimum requirements in building safe and accessible shelters.

During the turnover ceremony of 13 duplex houses on June 23, 2017, Rainer Guetler, CBM – Asia South East’s Regional Director, asked the community to “unite and form groups” that can advocate for their own rights and interests.

Vice Mayor Mariel Martinez mentioned the city’s goal to continue working with partners to “improve and empower the lives of persons with disabilities”. The local government will continue to support the community through livelihood projects and other relevant undertakings that will benefit the families and their children. The LGU will also build a road to ensure that the community stays connected with schools, employers, and other institutions. 

RBI and CBM worked together to build a total of 48 shelters in San Remigio, San Francisco, Camotes Island, and Bogo, Cebu.