Permanent evac centers pushed

CEBU, Philippines — Following two separate fire incidents that struck Barangay Tejero in the first two months of the year, Barangay Captain Harold Seno has called on the Cebu City government to establish long-term evacuation plans for disaster situations.

In an interview with The Freeman, Seno said that both national and local governments should move away from “band-aid solutions” and instead develop sustainable evacuation sites where displaced families can stay when calamities occur.

He proposed the designation of permanent evacuation areas in both the northern and southern districts of Cebu City, underscoring the need for livable spaces for disaster victims.

“Dapat maghimo ta og site or asa nga area sa north ug south. Ang akoa suggestion, Block 27 ang north, ang sa south didto sa SRP,” Seno said. “Importante ang mga tao nga naa say kapuy-an.”

Barangay Tejero has been hit by two major fires this year, with the first incident occurring in Sitio Riverside on January 10 and the second in Sitio Sagrada on February 5.

The January fire displaced more than 700 individuals, some of whom remain at the Tejero Sports Complex evacuation center as they have yet to return to their homes. When the second fire broke out last, barangay officials grew concerned about accommodating nearly 100 additional victims, as the barangay facility was already fully occupied.

Seno said many affected families have been unable to rebuild their homes due to delays in the reblocking process in Sitio Riverside.

Echoing residents’ concerns, he appealed to the city government—particularly the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP)—to expedite the reblocking process.

“Nanawagan ko sa city government, dire sa DWUP. Ga sige ko’g tawag na dalia intawn ang reblocking kay mao na lang nay kuwang kay ang mga tao gusto na intawn mamalik sa ilang site,” Seno said.

“Di man sila katukod kung wala pay reblocking. Mas maayo unta nga next week mahuman na ang reblocking kay gusto sad sa mga tao nga mopuyo na lang sila didto, bisan barong-barong, kaysa anha sa complex nga ang tent naay tulo o upat ka pamilya,” he added.

Seno said residents have agreed to the reblocking, provided that DWUP fast-tracks the process. So far, however, only inspections have been conducted.

He added that families are eager to complete the process so they can receive construction materials from the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), such as galvanized sheets and plywood, to begin rebuilding their homes.

“Ang gusto sa mga tao nga madali na unta para mahatag sad ang materyales gikan sa city government ug sa DSWS—ang mga sin ug plywood—unya mahinay-hinay na’g tukod ang mga tao didto sa Sitio Riverside,” Seno said.

During the most recent fire, barangay officials initially planned to temporarily house displaced residents at the Night Market area, where tents would be set up, while classrooms at Tejero Elementary School were prepared. However, none of the fire victims stayed at the school, opting instead to seek shelter with relatives.

Seno expressed sadness over the situation of his constituents, noting that city assistance was limited to five days and that the barangay itself has a constrained budget.

“Luoy kaayo. Five days ra man to ang city government, unya kami sa barangay, limitado man among budget. Karon, sila lang gyud ang nag-provide para sa ilang kaugalingon,” he said.

As barangay officials continue to remind residents about fire safety, Seno said they are hoping no further incidents will occur.

“Nag-ampo gyud mi nga unta wala na’y masunog dinhi kay di gyud lalim. Isip amahan, sakit kaayo tan-awon, pero ang trahedya di man malikayan,” he said. “Bisan mag-amping ta, naa gyud mga butang nga di nato malikayan.” — /FPL (FREEMAN)