Men and Women in HEELS (Health.Education.Environment.Livelihood.Shelter.)

“When Yolanda struck, our livelihood was immensely affected. Our house was destroyed by the flood. The heavy wind took off the roof and six-feet-high floodwaters rampaged our house. We took refuge under the staircase between the first and second floors to protect ourselves from the rising water and debris. The public market, along with our stall, was destroyed. We also lost our multicab that we used as service vehicle for the stores. It was truly heartbreaking to see what you have worked hard for shattered before your eyes. With the MIDAS program, I was able to avail of a loan to rebuild our livelihood at very low interest rates. I learned the importance of being prepared and planning ahead. I realized that I need to have savings for unforeseen events and needs.” – MYRNA GASING, beneficiary of PBSP and USAID’s Micro Enterprise Disaster Assistance Fund for Resiliency program (MIDAS) in Tanauan, Leyte