DHSUD fast-tracks second Bayanihan Village in Cebu

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is fast-tracking the construction of the second Bayanihan Village in Daanbantayan, Cebu to provide immediate housing relief for families displaced by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province on 30 September.

The move follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to deliver “swift action and immediate assistance” to affected communities. The DHSUD aims to replicate the rapid completion of the first Bayanihan Village in Barangay Poblacion, San Remigio, which was constructed in one week following the combined efforts of national and local government agencies.

“Bago pa man natin i-turn over ang Bayanihan Village sa San Remigio, ay nasimulan na rin po natin ang pagtatayo sa iba pang Bayanihan Village. Pinapabilis na natin ang pagtatayo dahil yan po ang utos ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. — mabilis na aksyon, agarang tulong para sa ating mga kababayan,” said DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.

("Even before we turned over the Bayanihan Village in San Remigio, we have already begun construction of other Bayanihan Villages. We are accelerating the construction because that is the order of President Marcos Jr. — quick action, immediate help for our countrymen.")

The first Bayanihan Village in San Remigio has already been turned over to the local government unit and is now occupied by the initial batch of beneficiaries. The modular shelter units (MSUs) provide quake victims with safe and comfortable temporary housing as rebuilding efforts continue.

“Sa mag susunod na linggo ay magkakaroon na rin po ng mas ligtas at matibay na masisilungan ang mga biktima ng lindol sa bayan ng Daanbantayan,” Aliling added, emphasizing the agency’s goal to complete the second site within weeks.

("In the coming weeks, earthquake victims in the town of Daanbantayan will also have safer and more durable shelters.")

Following the President’s inspection in San Remigio, Secretary Aliling immediately visited Barangay Pajo in Daanbantayan to assess the progress of ongoing construction. The site has already been prepared in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and installation of the modular shelters has begun.

“Through our Regional Office 7, we are working closely with the Daanbantayan LGU to fast-track the completion of the Bayanihan Village in compliance with the directive of the President,” Aliling said.

The Bayanihan Village initiative forms part of the government’s broader post-disaster rehabilitation strategy aimed at strengthening housing resilience and stimulating local economies through rapid shelter deployment.

The project also underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining economic stability in disaster-affected areas by enabling displaced residents to return to normal livelihood activities sooner.

Beneficiaries in San Remigio expressed gratitude upon receiving their shelter units, calling the project a “lifeline” after weeks of uncertainty.