What used to be a majestic concrete two-storey building located at the top of the hills of Barangay Cambanac, Baclayon, is now damaged after Typhoon Odette struck Bohol.
BalayKahimsog, the training center owned by the Visayas Primary Healthcare Services, Inc. is now without a roof after it was blown off and the trusses and posts were shattered by the typhoon strong winds.
Now the sunlight and the rains strike the floor of the spacious second floor which used to be the venue of trainings and gatherings in the past, that could accommodate 150 participants.
The center is part of the endeavors of the VPHCS to promote primary health care in Cebu and Bohol through the trainings that it conducted for community health workers in various communities with community-based health programs (CBHPs) developed by VPHCS with its partner people’s organizations. It also accepted bookings from different government and non-government agencies, the profits from which were used to support the various programs and services of the VPHCS.
It was constructed through the efforts and support of the Fil-Am Center for Community Health and Development (FACCHD) based in Pleasanton, California, U.S.A.
Its two dormitories, kitchen, dining hall, the living room and the restrooms on the grounds were however not damaged.
At present, the fallen trees and branches as well as the debris from the damage are being removed from the center and its environs.
An architect has been commissioned by the VPHCS to determine the costs of the repair of the center. The VPHCS shall then find the resources through solicitations and requests from funding agencies to support the repair of the center.
