By Xander Ledesma
Tacloban City, Leyte — In a significant milestone for beneficiaries of the Yolanda Pabahay Project, two residents of Villa Diana, Tacloban, have officially become property owners. Divina David and Benjamin Dabuet received their long-awaited Transfer Certificates of Title (TCT) during a ceremony held at the Internal Audit Services Office at Tacloban City Hall.
The awarding of the TCTs marks the successful conclusion of a multi-year process in which the government has assisted Yolanda survivors in securing legal ownership of their homes. These beneficiaries were among the thousands of families affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, and they had long awaited formal recognition of their property rights.
The event, presided over by Task Force Titulo Team Leader Dion Dela Cruz, also provided an opportunity for the recipients to be briefed on the conditions and guidelines of the Yolanda Pabahay Project. Dela Cruz offered an overview of the process, which includes understanding the responsibilities of property owners and the importance of maintaining the property as a sustainable community asset.
Established in 2021, Task Force Titulo has played a crucial role in assisting beneficiaries like David and Dabuet in processing their title transfers. This initiative is part of broader efforts to restore and secure the housing rights of survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, one of the deadliest natural disasters in Philippine history.
The Yolanda Pabahay Project is a government-led initiative aimed at providing housing for families displaced by the 2013 typhoon and has been essential to Tacloban’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts. Following the devastation caused by Yolanda, the Philippine government, along with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international aid agencies, launched one of the largest disaster recovery programs in the country’s history. Thousands of families in Villa Diana and beyond were provided temporary shelters that were later transformed into permanent housing units.
However, securing official property titles for these homes has been a complex and lengthy process, involving bureaucratic challenges, legal documentation, and coordination between various agencies. For many beneficiaries, receiving the TCT represents the final step in achieving full ownership of their properties, thereby securing their future and providing stability for their families.
Both David and Dabuet were visibly emotional during the ceremony and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to finally call their houses their own.
The Yolanda Pabahay Project has faced challenges, including delays in the construction of housing units and legal hurdles in the property transfer process. Despite these setbacks, the government remains committed to ensuring that all survivors of Typhoon Yolanda have access to secure, permanent homes. Task Force Titulo’s role in facilitating the transfer of property titles has been vital in finalizing these housing arrangements.
Since its formation, Task Force Titulo has assisted hundreds of Yolanda survivors in navigating the complex legal and bureaucratic procedures involved in processing their title transfers.
Typhoon Yolanda, which struck the Philippines in November 2013, caused widespread devastation across the Visayas region, particularly in Tacloban City. The disaster claimed over 6,000 lives and displaced millions of people. Its impact has been felt not only in the immediate loss of life and property but also in the long-term economic and social repercussions for affected communities.
In the aftermath, the government launched a series of rehabilitation and recovery programs aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, providing housing, and restoring livelihoods. The Yolanda Pabahay Project is a key component of these recovery efforts, seeking to offer permanent housing to survivors and create resilient communities.
Now, more than a decade after the typhoon, Tacloban and other affected areas continue their rebuilding process, with initiatives like Task Force Titulo working to secure long-term stability for displaced families.