Cebu Launches Post-Earthquake Housing Initiative to Rebuild Lives
Following the devastating 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30, 2025, causing visible cracks on roads near Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City, a significant post-disaster rehabilitation effort has been initiated. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Cebu Medical Society Inc. (CMS), the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), and the All-Terrain Medical Relief Organization (Amro) launched a long-term program aimed at providing stable housing for affected communities.
Addressing Homelessness and Instability
Dr. Geraldine Sales, president of CMS, emphasized the urgent need for action, stating that many families were left without homes, security, and stability after the quake. "We decided not only to respond, but to rebuild lives," she said. Through donations from various medical component societies across the Philippines, the initiative has already constructed more than 10 shelters for families currently living in tents. During initial medical missions, teams conducted surveys to identify eligible recipients with legal rights to their property, ensuring targeted assistance.
Beneficiaries and Distribution
The program, named Isiguro Daan transitional shelters, has identified nine families as primary recipients:
- Bogo City: Three families from Purok 2, Barangay Anunang Sur, and two from Purok Saging, Barangay Anunang Norte.
- San Remigio: Two families from Hagnaya.
- Medellin: One family.
- Cebu City: One family from Barangay Kalunasan.
Additionally, several families in Northern Cebu will receive supplemental housing materials to complete their homes, including nine families from Barangay Guadalupe and four from Barangay Anunang in Bogo City. This comprehensive approach aims to address both immediate and ongoing housing needs.
Community-Centered Design and Empowerment
Under the guidance of architects Bryan Auman and Rommel Roncesballes, a workshop is being conducted for veteran and emerging carpenters from Bogo and Cebu City. This workshop introduces an open-source blueprint for low-cost, durable structures designed to be completed within two weeks using a "bolt-together" method. Auman explained, "This design came from my mentor, who passed away a few years ago. We've been using it since Typhoon Yolanda." The design is rooted in community-centered architecture, aiming to rebuild not only houses but also the spirit of the community.
Carpenters from Northern Cebu and nearby areas are receiving these blueprints free of charge, empowering them to lead construction efforts within their own communities. This strategy fosters local ownership and skills development, enhancing long-term resilience. The formal turnover of the Isiguro Daan transitional shelters to eligible families is scheduled to begin on March 1, 2026, marking a critical step toward recovery and stability for those impacted by the earthquake.
