Aurora, one of the provinces vulnerable to climate change in Nueva Ecjia, has recently witnessed a transformative initiative to enhance its resilience against extreme weather events. The project titled “Matibay na Bahay para sa mas Ligtas na Buhay” has made significant strides in fortifying homes and raising awareness among communities in Baler and Dipaculao.
The initiative, a collaboration between Holcim Philippines Inc., Build Change, and ASKI, has provided housing solutions, employment opportunities, and invaluable knowledge on climate-resilient construction practices. Through the project, 37 families in Aurora have received support in strengthening their houses, enabling them to withstand the impacts of severe weather conditions.
Among the beneficiaries is Marissa Villaruz, whose family experienced the harrowing effects of flooding during Typhoon “Lawin” in 2016. Motivated by this traumatic incident, Villaruz actively participated in the program, transitioning her home from timber to concrete, a crucial step towards increased resilience. Another beneficiary, Lily Lorenzo, joined the initiative to address issues like a leaking roof and water seepage, enhancing the overall structural integrity of her home.
Holcim Philippines Inc. has played a pivotal role in providing families and local masons access to essential construction materials and knowledge, promoting the construction of durable, affordable, and low-carbon homes. Zoe Sibala, Holcim Philippines’ chief sustainability officer, emphasized the importance of empowering vulnerable communities to build safer residences using quality materials and sustainable practices.
Build Change, renowned for its expertise in disaster-resilient construction, developed specialized training modules in collaboration with Holcim, focusing on using low-carbon cement products such as Excel ECOPlanet and Wallright Prime. These efforts aim to prevent housing loss and create resilient communities that can withstand future disasters.
Meanwhile, with its extensive microfinance network and commitment to community development, ASKI has provided crucial financial support to homeowners, ensuring they have the resources needed to implement resilient construction measures.
As a result of these collaborative efforts, Aurora’s communities are now better equipped to face the challenges posed by climate change, with strengthened homes serving as a testament to resilience and sustainable development. The “Matibay na Bahay para sa mas Ligtas na Buhay” project is a beacon of hope, showcasing the positive impact that public-private partnerships can have in creating safer and more resilient communities.
