US Ambassador to hand over USAID project in Pablo-hit town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21): US Ambassador to hand over USAID project in Pablo-hit town

United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg will lead the ceremonial turn over of a market building in Compostela town in Compostela Valley on January 24.

The P5.83-million three-building project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which will serve as the center of trade and commerce for about 23,000 residents, farmers and fisherfolk, replaced the old structures that were destroyed by typhoon Pablo on December 4, 2012.

The designers adopted safety standards higher than current ones to reduce the risk of damage by future typhoons.

While in the facility, Goldberg will also meet with vegetable and aquaculture growers to whom USAID provided input and technical assistance to help restore their livelihoods after the storm.

Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy and Mayor Lema Bolo will receive the project, in behalf of the municipal government of Compostela, which will be responsible for implementing the recommended environmental measures and maintaining the structural integrity and beneficial use of the facilities.

Goldberg will also inspect the Poblacion Compostela Bridge, a major transport facility which was also damaged by Pablo and rehabilitated through the USAID assistance.

It is expected to benefit about 13,906 residents and provide long-term economic benefits by reducing the hauling costs of farm products and facilitating safer and easier access to goods and services available in the Poblacion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=607610