Geneva-based International Organization for Migration (IOM) in its relief efforts constructed over 900 houses for Boholanos displaced by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted the province in 2013.

National program manager of the IOM Conrado Navidad said that 310 of the said houses have already been turned over to selected beneficiaries.

Navidad noted that they aim to build 3,000 houses spread across 17 towns in the province which were affected by the earthquake which struck Bohol in October 15, 2013.

Each house costs P150,000, he added.

The IOM’s target areas include Balilihan, Buenavista, Calape, Catigbian, Clarin, Corella, Danao, Loon, San Isidro, Sevilla, Tubigon, Antequera, Carmen, Cortes, Inabanga, Maribojoc and Sagbayan.

The currently erected homes are located in Antequera which has 81 IOM houses; Inabanga, 73; Maribojoc, 61; Sagbayan, 89; and Tubigon, 6.

The IOM started the construction of the homes in January this year in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Navidad said.

Navidad admitted that like the Habitat for Humanity Foundation which was the first non-government organization that supported DSWD in extending aid to the quake victims was delayed in its construction.

He attributed the setback to the difficulty in acquiring materials for the project which are sourced outside the province.

In Habitat’s case, several supposed beneficiaries have still not been given houses due to the delayed construction. Some materials such as cement, wood and sand have reportedly been wasted.

Meanwhile, the IOM assured the public that none of the funds earmarked for the project will be wasted.

Navidad noted that the entire project is expected to be completed in the middle of 2017. (Allen Doydora)