Wells Fargo, Habitat Philippines rebuild Odette-hit communities

(PADRE BURGOS, SOUTHERN LEYTE) Promoting sustainability and community resilience, multinational financial services company Wells Fargo has supported 527 families and 382 high school students in their disaster recovery as Habitat for Humanity Philippines concludes its two-year Typhoon Odette disaster response and reconstruction program.

Since 2022, Wells Fargo Philippines and Habitat Philippines have worked together to aid affected families by repairing damaged homes, constructing new core houses, distributing hygiene and household kits, and restoring destroyed classrooms.

“We are grateful to Habitat Philippines for being a steadfast partner during this critical time, as we work together to support underprivileged families and children when they need it most. This collaboration has been instrumental in helping Wells Fargo advance its commitment to building strong and resilient communities,” said Mike Whyte, Wells Fargo Philippines Country Head.

Completing its disaster response program for Typhoon Odette, Habitat Philippines officially handed over on August 27 the six restored classrooms and a new school facility at the Padre Burgos National Technical Vocational High School (PBNTVHS). After sustaining damages due to Typhoon Odette in 2021, the classrooms were barely functional. The funding from Wells Fargo helped the school fix its damaged roofs, walls, and comfort rooms.

“With the repair of our classrooms, we now feel safe, secure, and motivated to study in our ‘second home,’” said Jamela, a Grade 11 student at PBNTVHS.

Leading the turnover program were representatives of PBNTVHS, the Department of Education Region VIII, and the Padre Burgos local government. The additional facility will pave the way for the school’s accreditation to offer a Technical Vocational Livelihood track, including Electrical Installation and Maintenance.

Aside from the restoration of classrooms, Wells Fargo also funded the foundation of 56 core houses and the repair of 54 homes in different local communities in Padre Burgos, enabling Odette-affected families to bounce back from the impact of the disaster with a new hope.

“Almost three years since Typhoon Odette, we are inspired to see the affected families get back on their feet. This has been made possible through the generous support of our partners and donors like Wells Fargo. Thank you for partnering with us to give them a glimpse of hope to build back better and stronger,” said Ariane Aliggayu, Habitat Philippines’ interim deputy national director.

Earlier this year, Habitat Philippines also donated new core houses to 27 Odette-affected families in Talisay City, Cebu, of which Wells Fargo Philippines funded 17 houses. Additionally, in 2022, the company sponsored the distribution of hygiene and household kits to 400 families in Carcar City, Cebu, as part of the emergency response.

With the support of its donors, Habitat Philippines’ Typhoon Odette disaster response program has helped 2,108 families in Cebu, Southern Leyte, and Negros Occidental through various interventions including distribution of hygiene, household, and shelter repair kits, house repair, and house reconstruction.

Continuing its partnership with Habitat Philippines, Wells Fargo Philippines is supporting a new housing project for low-income families in Valenzuela City and will mobilize at least 600 employees to volunteer in the construction work. (PR)