Mandaue modular shelter site among largest in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  The modular shelter site at Bayanihan Village in Barangay Guizo is now among the largest in Cebu, with around 200 units established for families displaced by disasters, according to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano, together with DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, inspected the additional modular shelter units (MSUs) on Thursday, April 30 as part of ongoing efforts to expand temporary housing for affected residents of Bagyong Tino that hit Cebu last November 4, 2025.

Secretary Aliling said the city has become a key pilot area for modular housing initiatives in the province due to the scale of its implementation.

The MSUs were developed through coordination between the national government and the local government unit to provide displaced Mandauehanons with safe and dignified temporary shelter following calamities or other emergencies.

Aside from the housing units, Ouano and Aliling also checked support facilities within the site, including a daycare center, satellite offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH), as well as a training facility of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

These are intended to bring essential services and livelihood opportunities closer to residents.

In a statement, Ouano expressed gratitude to DHSUD for the project’s completion, emphasizing its impact on affected families.

“Malipay sad ta nga nakahatag ta og disente ug dignified nga kapuy-an sa mga biktima bisan temporary lang ni siya,” said Ouano.

“Makita man usab pinaagi sa pagpaningkamot sa siyudad uban sa assistance sa nasudnong ahensya nga napahimutang gyud ang mga biktima sa nindot ug hamugaway nga shelter,” the mayor added.

The local government has also installed a perimeter fence around Bayanihan Village to enhance safety and security for residents.

Joining the inspection were City Administrator Atty. Sally Malig-on Jr., Executive Secretary Atty. Riczen Gingoyon, and representatives from the Office of Civil Defense, TESDA, DSWD, and the city’s Housing and Urban Development Office.

Malig-on said in an interview that Secretary Aliling visited the site because it is intended to be developed as a model facility, as it is already equipped with support facilities.

“Mao to ang purpose, niagi lang si Secretary to see for himself,” said Malig-on said.

He added that the city takes pride in the project’s success.

“Something to be proud nga naay mga facilitaties nga di normal sa usa ka temporary site,” said Malig-on. — (FREEMAN)