By Brian Campued
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling on Thursday announced the start of the turnover of modular shelter units (MSUs) for families displaced by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in San Remigio, Cebu.
In a press release, Aliling said the first “Bayanihan Village” was completed in just seven days through the combined efforts of concerned government agencies and private sector partners, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s earlier directive to expedite and ensure assistance to quake victims.
“Ang utos ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay bigyan ng mas komportable at ligtas na masisilungan ang ating mga kababayan, kaya po nagtulung-tulong ang ibat-ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno para agad na mabuo ang Bayanihan Village na ito,” he said.
“Ito ay bunga ng agarang pagtugon ng maraming ahensiya kasama na ang pribadong sektor sa panawagan ng ating Pangulo para sa pagtutulungan ng lahat patungo sa pagbangon ng Cebu,” the DHSUD chief added.
Installation of the modular homes in Barangay Poblacion began last Oct. 10.
DHSUD said the local government of San Remigio will be in charge of identifying the beneficiaries and the maintenance of the Bayanihan Village.
Bayanihan Villages will also rise in Daanbantayan, Cebu as well as in Tarragona, Davao Oriental, which was struck by doublet earthquakes last week.
Each Bayanihan Village will have common comfort rooms and lavatories, while each MSU will be equipped with electricity, lighting, and windows for proper ventilation.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development led the installation of 100 family tents for internally displaced persons (IDPs) at New Public Market Evacuation Camp, still in San Remigio town.
Once fully set up, family tents will replace modular tents as temporary shelters for IDPs.
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