The Philippine Army's Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila has begun constructing temporary shelters for families displaced by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake under the "Bangon Glan" rehabilitation program.

Construction started on 1 July as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' continuing humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts in Poblacion, Glan.

A total of 11 construction teams from the 512th Engineer Construction Battalion, 504th Combat Engineer Battalion, and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliaries under the 73rd Infantry Battalion were deployed to carry out the project.

The teams have started excavation, reinforcement bar fabrication, formwork installation, and concrete works as part of the initial construction phase.

The rehabilitation initiative aims to build 73 one-story, two-door temporary shelters for families whose homes were damaged by the earthquake.

Each unit will have a floor area of 23.04 square meters and will feature timber posts on concrete pedestals, marine plywood exterior walls, and corrugated galvanized iron roofing.

The Army said each shelter is expected to be completed within eight working days, with the entire project targeted for completion in about 53 working days.

Maj. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division and JTF Agila, said the project reflects the military's commitment to helping affected communities recover through a whole-of-government approach.

"The construction of these temporary shelters demonstrates our commitment to helping earthquake-affected families recover and rebuild their lives," Luzon said.

"While this is a collaborative undertaking among government agencies, local government units, and partner stakeholders, JTF Agila remains steadfast in providing the manpower and engineering capability needed to hasten the rehabilitation process. Together, we are transforming solidarity into concrete action for the benefit of our fellow Filipinos," he added.

The Army said JTF Agila's participation in the Bangon Glan project highlights the Armed Forces' continued support for government-led disaster response and rehabilitation efforts while remaining ready to carry out its mission of protecting the Filipino people and safeguarding the nation.