Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has handed over 650 housing units to homeless families in the municipality of Santa Fe, Leyte Province, the Philippines. 

This ushered in the end of Phase II of a comprehensive development programme in the regions hit by 2013’s Typhoon Haiyan, QRCS said in a statement recently. Carried out in co-operation with the Philippine Red Cross, the undertaking involved a budget of $2,256,209 (or nearly QR8.2mn).
The housing units are built of wood, concrete and metal sheets, each annexed to a bathroom and a septic tank. These were handed over to 650 households that have people with special needs, female or child breadwinner, chronic patients and the elderly.
The beneficiaries also received training in safe shelter standards and how to handle an emergency.
"With the handover of 1,300 housing units in total, phases I and II of the reconstruction programme constitute a success for our partnership with the Philippine Red Cross," said Rashid Saad al-Mohannadi, general director, Relief and International Development Division, QRCS, during the handover ceremony.
The public event was also attended by Richard J Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, Leopoldo L Petilla, Leyte governor, and heads of Red Cross and Red Crescent foreign missions.
"We cherish the fundamental humanitarian principles and are always there to help those affected by natural disasters or wars, without discrimination on the basis of religion or race. QRCS will keep working in the best interest of the vulnerable in the Philippines, ensuring their dignity at all times," al-Mohannadi added.
Petilla appreciated the efforts of QRCS personnel to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan to recover from the trauma of losing everything in a few minutes.
In his remarks, Gordon emphasised the crucial role of QRCS as a partner in conducting effective humanitarian operations in several parts of the country. "We would like to thank them for supporting the Philippine Red Cross at times of distress. They are constant responders to our humanitarian appeals during natural disasters. This is highly valued by the government and people of the Philippines," he said.

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