PADRE BURGOS, Southern Leyte – Multinational financial services company Wells Fargo has supported 527 families and 382 high school students in their recovery from Typhoon Odette, as Habitat for Humanity Philippines concludes its two-year disaster response and reconstruction program.
Since 2022, Wells Fargo and Habitat Philippines have collaborated to aid affected families by repairing damaged homes, building new core houses, distributing essential supplies, and restoring destroyed classrooms.
“We are grateful to Habitat Philippines for being a steadfast partner in supporting underprivileged families and children during this critical time,” said Mike Whyte, Wells Fargo Philippines Country Head.
On August 27, Habitat Philippines officially handed over six restored classrooms and a new school facility at the Padre Burgos National Technical Vocational High School (PBNTVHS), which was severely damaged by Typhoon Odette in 2021. The additional facility will enable the school to offer a Technical Vocational Livelihood track.
“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.
Aside from the school restoration, Wells Fargo also funded the foundation of 56 core houses and the repair of 54 homes in Padre Burgos, enabling Odette-affected families to rebuild their lives.
“Almost three years since Typhoon Odette, we are inspired to see the affected families get back on their feet,” said Ariane Aliggayu, Habitat Philippines’ interim deputy national director.
Earlier this year, Habitat Philippines donated new core houses to 27 Odette-affected families in Talisay City, Cebu, with Wells Fargo funding 17 of these houses. In 2022, the company also sponsored the distribution of hygiene and household kits to 400 families in Carcar City, Cebu.
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.
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.