Tzu Chi spreads ‘Happy Homes’

Tzu Chi Bohol (TCB) continues to build houses for Boholano families who lost their homes to typhoon “Odette” in 2021. From that year until October last year, 200 of the so-called “Happy Homes” were turned over to beneficiaries.

The houses were made possible through the generosity of businessman and former special envoy to China during the Duterte administration, Carlos Chan. He donated P10 million to fund the construction of each Happy home costing P50,000. Most of the homes were given to elderlies, seniors living alone and persons with disability.

Chan’s generosity and goodwill inspired other donors to fund the building of 200 more houses for homeless Boholano families. The latest Happy Home, the 250th, was turned over to the family of Roel Enriquez last 13 December.

The founder of the company making the famous cornstarch brand Liwayway and Oishi snack has been supporting the endeavors of TCB and joined in celebrating the group’s 10th year of serving Bohol islanders at the Cogon gym in Tagbilaran City last 15 December.

Since “Odette” devastated the province in 2021, TCB has been building Happy Homes for displaced families at the rate of two units per week, Michael Siao, deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, said.

Materials for the Happy Homes such as the abakan or woven bamboo walling, were sourced from locals who were given allowance by TCB.

Tzu Chi volunteers from Taiwan helped their counterparts in Bohol in building the Happy Homes as well as prefabricated classrooms.

The Taiwanese volunteers also attended the anniversary celebration and visited the Happy Homes families during their visit to Bohol.