DHSUD deploys modular shelters for Davao quake recovery

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is set to deploy modular shelter units (MSUs) to Davao Oriental to aid families displaced by the twin earthquakes that struck the province on 10 October, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate rehabilitation efforts.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling has mobilized teams from the agency’s central and regional offices to coordinate with local government units and assess the scope of assistance needed. The temporary shelters will be installed inside designated Bayanihan Villages, which will serve as transitional housing for affected residents.

“Ang pagtatayo po ng Bayanihan Villages ay iniutos ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. para agarang matulungan ang ating mga kababayang na-displace dahil sa lindol (The construction of the Bayanihan villages was ordered by President Marcos Jr. to expedite the assistance of our countrymen who were displaced by the earthquakes),” Aliling said.

The DHSUD chief emphasized that the initiative is part of a whole-of-government response, in coordination with the Departments of Public Works and Highways, Social Welfare and Development, Health, and Information and Communications Technology, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and various non-government organizations.

“Buong pwersa ng pamahalaan ay inatasan ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. upang ipaabot ang lahat ng pwedeng tulong sa mga Davaenong apektado ng lindol (President Marcos Jr. has ordered all government forces to provide all possible assistance to the Davao region affected by the earthquake),” Aliling said. “Ang hangad ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay mabilis na pagbangon ng ating mga kababayan mula sa kalamidad. Kaya naman nagba-bayanihan ang lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno kasama na rin ang pribadong sektor (President Marcos Jr.'s wish is for our countrymen to recover quickly from the calamity. That is why all government agencies, including the private sector, are doing their part.)”

DHSUD said the modular units are designed for rapid deployment and can help restore stability in quake-hit areas by providing safe and durable living spaces for displaced residents while permanent housing is developed.

The department began constructing similar Bayanihan Villages in Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on 30 September, with shelters being established in Bogo City and the towns of Daanbantayan, San Remigio, and Medellin.