Tuesday, August 12, 2014

TRTC Reopens August 15

The Jacob, Joseph, and Elijah dorms all as good as new again!
The Tagaytay Retreat and Training Center is reopening on August 15, exactly a month after it closed due to extensive damage caused by Typhoon Glenda.  "Seventy percent of the repair work is done, we are building back better, and we are counting down to our reopening day," said Doris Cuaresma, general manager, five days before the target reopening.

Typhoon Glenda ripped off roofing sheets, made ceilings cave in, and drenched bedrooms on the top floors of the retreat center's dormitory buildings when it hit Southern Luzon during the early hours of July 16. It also shattered glass paneling and damaged tables and chairs at the dining hall.  Nearly 400 international guests attending a Methodist youth convocation waited out the storm at the main function hall and had to be moved to another event venue.

The extent of the damage was assessed the same day and clean-up and restoration work were begun soon afterward. "We praise God for all that has been done and for all that will be completed within the next few days. We are grateful to all who helped with the rebuilding and clean-up.  We look forward to welcoming guests again," Cuaresma said.

The Moses dorm, now ready to accept guests again.  

Workers in yellow shirts are transformed former street
dwellers reached out to by CCT's Kaibigan Ministry. 

The Abraham, Isaac, Joshua and Moses dorms.

Elijah dorm: work ongoing.  

(Here and below) The north-facing end of the multi-purpose hall
with glass doors and windows restored.