Bohol beneficiaries receive ‘happy homes’

In a gesture of compassion and community spirit, elderly Commissioners and Faith Corps from Tzu Chi Manila flew to Bohol on 18 August 2023 to help transform the lives of three beneficiaries of the "Happy Home" project in Bohol.

This charitable initiative aimed to provide hope and stability to those who had their homes severely battered by typhoon "Odette" in December 2021. The volunteers set off from Tagbilaran City to Sagbayan to turn over new homes to their owners.

Fernando Navarez, 62, a bachelor from Katipunan, Sagbayan Bohol, faced paralysis and speech impairment when he suffered a stroke in 2012. After typhoon "Odette" destroyed his home, he tried to rebuild a shanty for his shelter located on top of a slope, while barangay officials supported him through monthly food rations.

Upon learning of Tzu Chi Bohol's "Happy Home" project, one of his neighbors sought help for him to have a liveable home. Navarez was most grateful for the home he received from the charity organization.

Gleceria Celades, 87, from Canmaya Diot in Sagbayan, lived alone in home built from salvaged materials that was then destroyed by typhoon "Odette." The "Happy Home" turnover coincided with her birthday, making it a meaningful double celebration for Celades, who said the moment was a turning point in her life.

Finally, 64-year-old Felipa Gonzaga, a resident of San Roque in Sagbayan, turned to Tzu Chi Bohol for assistance following the devastating aftermath of "Odette." Felipa and her family found refuge in their daughter's dwelling nearby, living off mainly on the senior citizen pension of Felipa and her husband.

But with the help of Tzu Chi, now she can rebuild anew and restore the safety and stability of her family's abode.