2,500 tents bound for quake-hit Bogo

Local

ROWS of white tents will soon blanket Barangay Cogon in Bogo City, transforming open land into a temporary city for families uprooted by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in northern Cebu.

Officials confirmed that at least 2,500 tents will be set up, each measuring 16 square meters and equipped with basic facilities such as showers and toilets.

Bogo City, the hardest-hit area, will host the largest cluster, while smaller tent sites are planned in San Remigio and Medellin.

In the first phase, authorities relocated 50 families who had been living in makeshift roadside structures.

The tents are expected to accommodate roughly 2,000 people whose homes were destroyed or deemed unsafe.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the property in Barangay Cogon covers 20 hectares, although only six to seven hectares will be used initially.

He added that the first 500 tents are expected to be completed within the next two days.

“It will take time to rebuild. So in the meantime, we really have to provide this for them na kompleto na,” Dizon said.

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard “Dick” Gordon said the full plan involves at least 2,500 tents, designed to provide dignified living spaces.

He stressed that toilets and showers will be kept clean at all times.

Vice Mayor Carlos Jose Martinez said priority will be given to families whose homes were permanently damaged and those living along the Bay Fault Line, who will be forcibly evacuated for safety.

“We will start with those families na permanently yung bahay nila na damage talaga,” he said.

Government agencies and humanitarian partners are working together to prepare the site within two days.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Electrification Administration (NEA), and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) are spearheading the effort.

The PRC is leading the planning, while DPWH is handling infrastructure setup.

DSWD regional officials confirmed that displaced families will begin moving in tonight. Immediate priorities include access to water and electricity.

Water tanks will be provided by DSWD and the Red Cross, while NEA coordinates charging stations and water supply.

Around 50 portalets and shower facilities are expected to arrive by 2 p.m. today.

Security within the tent city will be managed by the Philippine National Police (PNP), augmented by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), under the supervision of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Families will be registered before being assigned a tent to ensure proper monitoring.

Beyond shelter, the tent city will feature community kitchens, a health clinic, counseling areas, and child-friendly spaces.

Breastfeeding stations will be available for mothers, and the Department of Education (DepEd) will establish a temporary learning center to ensure continuity of schooling for children.

Officials assured that the tent cities are meant not only as shelters but as functioning communities where essential services and basic needs are addressed for displaced families.(MyTVCebu)