Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano has assured the public that families displaced by Typhoon Tino will not be spending Christmas in evacuation centers.
Beginning this week, evacuees will start moving to the Tent City in Barangay Guizo, where temporary shelters are now ready for affected households.
Ouano said groundwork at the site has been completed, allowing the city to proceed with installing the tents.
He added that the local government is taking all necessary steps to provide families with safer and more comfortable shelter during the holiday season.
Transfer notices will be issued through the City Social Welfare Services.
At least 300 tents from the Department of Social Welfare and Development have already arrived in Mandaue City.
These can accommodate around 600 families.
The city also received 30 smart homes from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, although these structures will require more time to build.
Barangays Umapad, Tingub, and Paknaan were among the hardest-hit areas during Typhoon Tino.
In Umapad, six families remain inside the evacuation center after their homes were washed away.
While some residents are hesitant to relocate to Guizo because it is far from their current communities, others say they are prepared to move if it means safety and stability.
One survivor, Alvin Ponpoble, whose house was completely destroyed, said he visited the Tent City site and found it decent enough for his family of three.
Another resident, Guerli Coyoca, said her family has no choice but to transfer because they have nothing left with which to rebuild.
She added that the recent storms made them realize how difficult and unsafe it is to stay long-term in an evacuation center.
The Tent City will have basic facilities such as bathing areas, a community kitchen, child-friendly spaces, and access to water and electricity.
These amenities are expected to provide families with a more stable environment as they begin recovering from the typhoon’s impact. (VCL)
