President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the turnover of the first-ever “Bayanihan Village” in Cebu, a government initiative to help earthquake victims recover from the recent tragedy.

He was accompanied by Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, who said the project represents a whole-of-nation response to provide safe and comfortable refuge to affected families.

Located in Barangay Poblacion, San Remigio, the Bayanihan Village consists of 45 modular shelter units (MSUs) deployed by the DHSUD. It was completed within just one week through the combined efforts of several government agencies.

Aside from DHSUD, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) participated in the construction and setup of the temporary housing site.

President Marcos also checked on Cebu residents displaced by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province on September 30 to ensure that government aid and support are being delivered.

“Hangad ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ay mapagaan natin ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan, kaya naman nabuo natin ang Bayanihan Village ng mabilis at maayos,” Secretary Aliling said.

He added that some families have already transferred and are using the MSUs, which provide safer and more comfortable living conditions.

Aliling credited the cooperation between government agencies and the private sector for the swift completion of the Bayanihan Village. “Ito ay bunga ng agarang pagtugon ng maraming ahensya kasama na ang pribadong sektor sa panawagan ng ating Pangulo para sa pagtutulungan ng lahat patungo sa pagbangon ng Cebu,” he said.

The DHSUD worked closely with the DPWH, DSWD, AFP, Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Coast Guard in establishing the site. Two private companies also sent workers to assist in building the MSUs.

After the turnover, the local government unit (LGU) will oversee beneficiary selection, upkeep, and maintenance of the Bayanihan Village, which includes common comfort rooms, lavatories per cluster, and electricity.