Introduction: A Move Toward Faster Shelter Solutions
In the wake of the October earthquakes off the coast of Manay, the Philippines is advancing a rapid shelter strategy aimed at quickly housing victims. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in the Davao Region announced that the first batch of modular shelters will be installed starting this weekend, signaling a shift from ad hoc tent cities to more durable temporary housing. The plan stems from directives by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize modular housing for quake-affected families.
The Plan: 150 Modular Units with staged rollouts
DHSUD-Davao Regional Director Atty. Naiza Mae Delos Santos confirmed that a total of 150 modular housing units are slated for installation in Davao Oriental. The initial phase envisions 50 units ready for occupancy in Tarragona town by November 10–15. A second group of 50 shelters will be installed in Baganga, with a further allocation under discussion for Manay.
The approach mirrors the Bayanihan Village model used in San Remigio, Cebu, after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck there on September 30. The modular design is intended to provide safer, more weather-resistant temporary homes than traditional tents, while authorities assess longer-term housing options for affected families.
Allocation and Selection Criteria
Because DHSUD-Davao can currently allocate 150 units, prioritization focused on areas with the most extensive damage. The joint assessment drew on data from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and local government units. According to the latest provincial tallies, Tarragona has 106 totally damaged and 1,368 partially damaged houses, Baganga 217 totally damaged and 805 partially damaged, and Manay 129 totally damaged and 3,113 partially damaged homes.
Delos Santos explained that the selection process targets municipalities where the housing needs are greatest, particularly where homes have been totally destroyed. The goal is to provide safe, quickly deployable shelter while families await longer-term housing arrangements.
Distribution of Shelter Materials and Immediate Needs
In addition to the modular units, DHSUD-Davao has turned over 200 modular tents, 300 shelter-grade tarpaulins, and 500 shelter-fixing kits to the provincial government. Distribution of these materials is planned for Friday and Saturday, October 17–18, to ensure residents receive essential equipment as soon as possible.
Local officials will coordinate the relocation of families into the new shelters. While the modular units are designed for temporary use, officials acknowledge that the most realistic time frame for long-term housing may extend from three to five years for some victims, given the scale of damage and the complexity of rebuilding permanent homes.
What This Means for Affected Families
For residents, the shift to modular shelters represents a step toward improved living conditions during the interim. Shelters promise better protection from the elements and more secure space for families as they navigate the uncertain period after a disaster. However, the plan also underscores the need for clear relocation strategies and durable housing solutions that can transition from temporary to permanent as reconstruction progresses.
Officials emphasized that these shelters are not intended to be permanent homes. Local governments will need to coordinate with national agencies to plan for eventual long-term housing, including land use and community development considerations. The experience drawn from Cebu’s Bayanihan Village provides a practical blueprint for delivering safe shelter while honoring the dignity and basic needs of quake survivors.
Looking Ahead
With the first 50 units expected to be ready in mid-November, the response in Davao Oriental will be closely watched by other affected provinces. The implementation will likely influence ongoing disaster response strategies, including how best to scale up modular housing, maintain quality standards, and balance rapid deployment with long-term resilience. As the affected communities begin to settle into these temporary homes, authorities will also focus on accelerating permanent reconstruction to restore normalcy for families whose lives were disrupted by the earthquakes.
