Int'l NGO starts cash-for-work program in Tacloban

MANILA, Philippines - An international non-government organization is giving some residents of Yolanda-hit Tacloban City a chance to earn money by helping to clean up their devastated neighborhoods. The Tzu Chi Foundation is paying Tacloban residents who are willing to participate in clean-up efforts in their communities. "We want to bring out the 'bayanihan' spirit," said Kalam Chan of the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines. One survivor isn't just looking for pay. She wants to help speed up the cleanup in her area so that her family can rebuild their home. "Sana makapagumpisa na kami uli. Makapagtayo man lang ng masisilungan," said Dianne Delda, victim of typhoon "Yolanda". Each worker gets P500 for five hours of work. This is a big thing for residents who have lost everything and who aren't certain of being able to resume their old livelihood. Arnold Orquiza was able to scavenge the shoes he's wearing from the rubble. But he's also hoping to find his tricycle, now buried under piles of debris. "Pag wala akong tricycle, wala na kaming hanapbuhay," he said. The Department of Social Welfare and Development is also preparing to kick off its cash-for-work program for Yolanda survivors. "The cash for work provides the step to normalization that they can actually have the funds to buy what they think they need most," Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman said. "Para na rin po makapagumpisa sila na tulungan ang sarili nila," she said. The DSWD said the system is more effective than providing direct financial assistance. That's because it helps survivors become self-sufficient. Report from Jenny Reyes, ABS-CBN News