When disaster damages a home, even basic building materials can become difficult to secure. In earthquake-hit communities in Davao Occidental, confiscated forest products are now being put to use to help families rebuild.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regions XI and XIII donated thousands of board feet of lumber and Yakal poles to communities affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, with the materials intended for home repairs and rehabilitation.
DENR XI consolidated 11,602 board feet of forest products from its field offices. On August 13, it initially donated 4,550 board feet of lumber to the Municipality of Sarangani. The materials included Lauan from CENRO Baganga and Tanguile and Binuang lumber from CENRO Manay.
The lumber was transported to Barangay Balangonan in Jose Abad Santos for shipment to Sarangani, where it will be distributed to two severely affected barangays.
DENR XIII separately turned over 9,019.55 board feet of lumber and 3.10 cubic meters of Yakal poles in Jose Abad Santos on the same day. These materials will go to the barangays most affected by the earthquake and other natural calamities.
Getting the materials where they were needed took a community effort. Municipal officials worked with the Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine Army, barangay officials and MENRO personnel to transport the donations despite difficult road conditions.
The effort gives a second purpose to forest products that had been confiscated or apprehended by DENR. Instead of remaining in storage, the materials can now help provide roofs, walls and other parts of homes damaged by disaster.
Recovery takes more than one donation, but practical help can give families a better start as they rebuild.
If DENR offices and local communities can turn seized materials into something useful after a disaster, other organizations, businesses and groups of friends can also find ways to lend a hand. A donation of materials, time, skills or resources can help another community begin rebuilding.
