Over 100 families affected by typhoons in Batanes receive construction materials from GMA Kapuso Foundation

Over 100 families in Batanes affected by the previous typhoons received help from GMA Kapuso Foundation's "Silong Kapuso" program to rebuild their homes.

According to "24 Oras," Wednesday, residents started using light materials in building their houses when they were prohibited from collecting stones, limestones, and sand in 2000 to protect the environment and their cultural heritage.

"Wala kaming kakayahan na bumili. Mahal din 'yung presyo ng mga ano. 'Yung yero nga is almost 1,000," said resident Rowena Duya.

Rowena was among those whose house was affected by Super Typhoon Julian. She used wood scraps and iron sheets for temporary shelter.

All the way from Manila, GMA Kapuso Foundation delivered iron sheets, plywood, cement, and more construction materials to Mainland Batanes, which were then delivered by boat to Sabtang Island.

A total of 208 residents with partially damaged houses were given the construction and roofing materials, while 106 totally damaged houses in Batanes were given 10 sacks of cement.

"Andito 'yung pinaka-ground zero, so maraming naapektuhan na mga bahay. Very challenging pagdating sa logistics ng materyales," supervising engineer Arnel Zantua said.

"Nagpapasalamat kami. Kung wala 'yun, wala kaming pambili ng yero," said Adelaida Caris, another resident.

For those who want to take part in GMA Kapuso Foundation's initiatives, you may send your donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

—Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News