Out in the Open: Why Families Choose the Roadside Over Homes
Two days after a powerful pair of earthquakes struck Manay, Davao Oriental, at least 30 families in Mati City were still camped by the Diversion Road, a roadside refuge that has become a temporary lifeline for residents fearing aftershocks and possible tsunamis. The scene near the Golden Valley area, where hundreds of vehicles gathered on Friday night seeking shelter, underscored a broader reality: for some households, the outdoors feels safer than dwelling spaces that have been damaged or are near the coast.
Individual Stories, Shared Concerns
Among the families are residents from Calagundian and nearby barangays, including Central. In a candid interview, a couple identified as Arnold and Mera Avenido described how their 10 children, aged 7 to 17, and three young adults—ages 19, 20, and 21—have been living in a temporary camp set up along the Diversion Road. Arnold, who works as a tricycle driver and sometimes assists at Mati City Hall, said their home sits beside a heavily damaged structure, heightening fears about safety, especially given the proximity to the shoreline where tsunami threats linger in some minds.
“Nalisang ko, wala na ko makatindog” (I was frightened, I couldn’t stand up), Mera recalled, noting that she occupied herself by cooking meals for students returning to school when the quake hit. The couple, seated on a tricycle sidecar during interviews, explained why they felt safer outdoors: the openings, creaks, and lingering tremors in their area made staying indoors seem risky, while higher ground lines and clear sightlines offered a sense of control against further shocks.
Conditions at the Makeshift Camp
The Golden Valley roadside camp is far from ideal. A lack of sturdy bedding means they cannot deploy foam mattresses during rain, forcing residents to improvise with tarps and makeshift canals to channel rainwater away from living spaces. Some neighbors donated tarps and other essentials, but resources remain limited. There is no power in the area, and many families have no working phones to receive timely updates about government aid or shelter availability.
Despite the hardships, residents have found routines: some go back to their homes to gather belongings, cook meals, or fetch water when available. Others stay put to maintain a stable shelter in the open air, relying on the kindness of strangers—local social workers, volunteers, and private citizens who have handed out rice and basic supplies. One couple described Saturday’s small act of generosity as a reminder that the community can come together in times of crisis, even as officials assess the safest long-term options.
Relief Efforts and Uncertain Timelines
Local authorities have been directing attention toward evacuation centers, yet many families remain uncertain about when they can return home. The Avenido family’s preference for outdoor shelter reflects a broader hesitation amid continuing aftershocks and the ongoing assessment of structural safety along the coast. While some residents hope for rapid decisions from the local government, others brace for additional tremors and the heat of day, which compounds the need for reliable shade, water, and hygiene facilities at temporary sites.
Officials have stressed the importance of staying informed and following evacuation orders, but information can be sparse for families without working phones or consistent access to power. In the interim, road-side camps like the one near Golden Valley highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of Mati City residents who are navigating a difficult post-disaster landscape while awaiting clearer guidance on when it will be safe to return home.
Looking Ahead: Community Needs and Safety
As families wait for definitive safety assessments, the immediate focus remains on basic needs—shelter, food, water, and safety from potential hazards along the coast. The experiences of the Avenido family and others living in roadside camps emphasize the human dimension of disaster response: not all households will immediately resume normal life, and some will rely on a blend of home visits, communal support, and government coordination as relief operations continue. The road-side camps, though temporary, reveal a story of endurance and mutual aid that will shape Mati City’s approach to future emergencies.
