XU employees who are beneficiaries of the Sendong housing program help lay the time capsule during the project's groundbreaking

by Stephen J Pedroza

XU employees who were severely affected by typhoon Sendong in 2011 are the exclusive beneficiaries of the school’s rent-to-own housing program at Xavier Heights Subdivision, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.

The housing project is scattered in several XU lot properties inside Gate 3 of the said subdivision and 18 full-time personnel have availed of the program.

 “For this month, we are still clearing out the area and working on the permit to start the construction,” said Engr Cornelio P Achas of Orne Construction, the project contractor.  

The construction will run for six months, starting on the first week of January 2014 and is expected to be completed in June.

The groundbreaking ceremony transpired on Dec 17, exactly two years after the calamity lashed across Northern Mindanao, where CDO was one of the worst-hit areas.

XU Director for Campus Ministries Rev Fr Carlos G Cenzon SJ spearheaded the blessing of the housing project. Among those present during the event were XU Vice President for Campus Development Br Noel B Cantago SJ, VP for Mission and Ministry Irene Grace A Guitarte, Project Head for Campus Development Engr Noemi A Dacudao, University treasurer Lennie K Ong and the beneficiaries.
    
The one-storey house for each beneficiary has an area of 30.72 sq. meters. Designed by architect Lawrence Jeffrey C Maceren, its features include two bedrooms, one bathroom and a loft, among others.

For the first five years, a monthly rental rate of Php3,000 will be paid through salary deduction as stipulated in the contract of lease between XU and the recipients.

The beneficiaries would then have the option to purchase the house after the first five-year lease term.

Remembering Sendong

Two years have passed by yet the Kagay-anons, whose lives were devastated by Sendong can still remember the details vividly.

During the ceremony, Engr Jolou F Miraflor, one of the recipients narrated how his family went through the odds brought about by the disaster and its aftermath.

“I have been through a lot because of the typhoon. I was able to taste Sendong water. It was horrible and malodorous,” he recalled.

On behalf of the group, Miraflor expressed their gratitude to XU for initiating this housing project for them.

“Today, we are happy and thankful that Xavier University has given us this opportunity. But what is most important aside from the house is the heart that goes with it; this shows how Xavier takes care of us,” he said.