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| More transitional houses will be constructed in Marawi / Photo file from Philstar (ctto) |
Manila, Philippines – Taiwan Representative Gary Song-Huann Lin confirmed that the construction
of new 400 transitional houses for victims of Marawi siege will start in the
first half of this year.
The Philippines will earmark a total of PHP600-million worth
of assistance from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), for Marawi aid.
The said fund will be divided into two parts, says Taiwan’s representative.
P60 million of it will be used to fund the construction of
400 transitional housing units while the remaining P540 million is said to be
for 10, 480 metric tons of donated rice.
Also, according to Lin, Taiwan will shoulder both transport and
construction costs, and assured the residents of Marawi that they will be hired
to help to provide jobs.
"The construction will be started this first half of
2018, we are currently looking for a site," Lin said.
Meanwhile, for the rice donation, there will be three phases
of distribution; the 1, 680 metric tons in 2017, then at least 4, 400 metric
tons distribution for 2018 and another 4, 400 metric tons of rice for 2019.
On Monday, Lin told the Philippine News Agency on the
sidelines of the 2nd Peace Diplomacy Convention that the first batch
of rice donation which totaled 1, 680 metric tons has already reached Mindanao
areas.
"My government is partnering with Tzu Chi Foundation in
the Philippines for its distribution," Lin said, noting that Lunar New
Year, Taiwanese will celebrate, thus the second distribution phase will start
after the occasion.
"I may say from March some time. In due course when Tzu
Chi is ready, we are going to distribute," he added.
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