By Robbie Pangilinan
Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez expressed the city government’s gratitude to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the support it has extended to the city since it was hit and devastated by typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
Recently, the USAID began construction of a P10 million climate-resilient building which will house an evacuation and livelihood training center.
“The building will boost the rehabilitation initiatives of the city government which includes providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to Taclobanons and disaster resiliency,” said the Chief Executive in a message to the USAID.
Michael Klecheski, Deputy Chief of Mission, highlighted the initiatives of the USAID after super typhoon Haiyan which included construction of 310 classrooms, provision of livelihood activities which include 1,000 sari-sari stores and the construction of 12 health facilities as part of its $143 million assistance to typhoon-devastated communities.
“We thank Mayor Romualdez for her cooperation and for always being hands-on. Tacloban can rest assured of our continuous support for its ongoing rehabilitation efforts,” said Klecheski.
“The USAID and local government have had a worthy partnership on a number of projects which include among others disaster preparedness, rehabilitation and construction of educational facilities,” said City Administrator Atty. Irene Chiu, echoing the gratitude of Mayor Romualdez.
