MANDAUE City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano announced that preparations are underway for the establishment of a temporary tent city to house families who were completely displaced by recent flooding caused by Typhoon Tino, including residents from Barangay Tingub, Umapad, and other badly hit areas.
Ouano said the City has been in constant coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to request 300 tents that will accommodate an estimated 600 families. The city is currently verifying, with the help of the City Social Welfare Services, the exact number of families who are willing to transfer.
The Pasilong Sa Paradise in Barangay Guizo has been identified as the most suitable temporary relocation site because it already has access to water, drainage, and electricity. The tents, which were already delivered on Nov. 25, were originally expected to be loaned for a year, but the Mayor confirmed the National Government has decided to donate them instead.
Ouano emphasized that the relocation is meant to serve as a transitory site until a permanent location is found. Homes along the riverbank will no longer be allowed for resettlement after the area was declared a No-Build Zone.
Relocation and setup are expected to begin next week, as preparations are still ongoing. Those who move will receive financial assistance from national agencies. The city encouraged residents who refuse to move far from their original communities to stay with their families or neighbors if possible.
Mayor Ouano acknowledged that some residents and barangay captains have expressed hesitation about moving due to the proposed site’s distance. “We cannot force people to move if they do not want to, so we are verifying now who are truly willing to transfer to Pasilong,” Ouano said.
For a long-term solution, the city is considering purchasing land outside Mandaue City due to the high cost of property within the city, which may involve assistance from the national government and City Council approval. Socialized housing is also being considered as a permanent solution. / ABC