TALIBON, Bohol – Twenty families from Talibon will soon have new homes that can withstand natural disasters, thanks to a project by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The UNDP, with funding from the South Korean Government, will construct climate-resilient houses for beneficiaries who live in high-risk areas of Barangay San Carlos.

The project aims to improve the living conditions and safety of vulnerable communities in Talibon, a coastal town on the northern part of Bohol island.

Governor Aris Aumentado and Mayor Janette Garcia led the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Friday, February 24, expressing their gratitude and support for UNDP’s initiative.

According to UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, the project is part of UNDP’s efforts to help local governments implement disaster risk reduction and management plans.

He said that UNDP will also provide livelihood assistance and capacity building for the beneficiaries to help them cope with the impacts of climate change.

The project has a budget of $300,000 or approximately 15 million pesos, which will cover the construction of 20 houses and related facilities.

The houses will be designed with features such as elevated foundations, reinforced roofs, storm shutters, rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels.

The project is expected to be completed by June this year.