Overview of the Shelter Plan
In the wake of back-to-back earthquakes off the coast of Manay town, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in the Davao Region has announced the imminent completion of the first batch of temporary, modular shelters for affected residents. The plan, approved by national leaders during a recent provincial visit, aims to replace tents with more durable, quickly deployable housing units designed to withstand ongoing aftershocks and provide safer living conditions for displaced families.
Regional DHSUD-Davao Director Atty. Naiza Mae Delos Santos confirmed that a total of 150 modular units will be installed beginning this weekend. The first 50 shelters are targeted for completion by mid-November in Tarragona town, followed by another 50 shelters in Baganga. A further 50 units for Manay are being deliberated in coordination with the provincial government and DHSUD-Davao, as relocation logistics are finalized.
Why Modular Shelters Instead of Tent Cities
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the shift toward modular housing, arguing the need for safer, more durable shelter options than tent cities. The modular units, inspired by a proven model used in the Bayanihan Village in San Remigio, Cebu after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake in early October, are intended to offer better protection against weather and aftershocks while expediting the transition toward longer-term housing solutions.
What the Modular Shelter Model Encompasses
The modular shelters are designed for rapid deployment and improved living standards. Each unit typically provides a secure, weather-resistant interior, with basic utilities and a layout conducive to family living. The Bayanihan Village blueprint allows multiple units to cluster into community blocks, fostering a sense of neighborhood support even amid displacement. The approach also prioritizes efficient space planning to maximize safety and comfort for residents who have watched their homes suffer varying degrees of damage.
Selection Criteria and Allocation
Given the finite number of units available—150 in the initial phase—the DHSUD-Davao team prioritized municipalities with the most severely damaged housing stocks. The latest provincial tally shows Tarragona with 106 completely destroyed homes and 1,368 partially damaged structures; Baganga with 217 fully damaged and 805 partially damaged; and Manay reporting 129 total losses and 3,113 partial damages. The prioritization is designed to protect the largest number of families as quickly as possible while awaiting longer-term reconstruction.
Support Beyond Shelters
In addition to the 150 modular units, DHSUD-Davao has supplied the provincial government with 200 modular tents, 300 shelter-grade tarpaulins, and 500 shelter repair kits. Distribution of these materials is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, helping families secure interim comfort and begin repairs where feasible. Officials say the shelter project will evolve in tandem with ongoing housing assessments and the eventual relocation planning for those in the newest Manay relocation site.
Looking Ahead: From Temporary to Permanent Solutions
While three to five years could be needed to complete permanent housing for all affected residents, authorities stress that the temporary shelters are not intended as long-term residences. Delos Santos emphasized that the “start of physical housing” should not delay the eventual move to more permanent accommodations as reconstruction timelines become clearer. Local governments are urged to coordinate closely with DHSUD-Davao to manage relocations, ensure safety, and maintain community cohesion during the recovery process.
Residents and volunteers in the region remain hopeful that these modular shelters will provide a stable platform from which families can rebuild their lives in the months ahead, while the province continues to support longer-term housing programs and infrastructure repairs that will take time to implement.
