Just in time for the holidays, sixteen families in Mandaue City who lost everything to a powerful typhoon have received the gift of a fresh start. They have moved into brand-new, prefabricated modular homes at the Bayanihan Village in Barangay Guizo, marking a pivotal moment in their recovery from the devastation of Typhoon Tino.
A New Home for the Holidays
The relocation took place on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, providing a secure and comfortable Christmas for families who had spent weeks in evacuation centers. These families, originally from Barangays Alang-Alang and Umapad, saw their homes destroyed when Typhoon Tino struck on November 4, 2025. For resident Guerlie Coyoca, the move signifies restored hope after her family's home was completely washed away by floodwaters, leaving them with little more than the clothes on their backs.
"Our previous home was totally washed out and we were only able to save a few pieces of clothing," Coyoca shared. She expressed that moving into a stable home has given her family peace of mind and a renewed sense of hope as they celebrate Christmas together.
City Government Ensures Dignified Transition
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano emphasized that the relocation fulfills a critical promise to the typhoon survivors. He stated that the city prioritized families from the hardest-hit areas and ensured the Bayanihan Village relocation site was fully prepared with complete utilities before any transfer occurred.
"The process is not easy and I did not want the evacuees to be transferred unless the area was fully prepared," Mayor Ouano explained. "This is much better than letting them stay in tents. At least they can celebrate Christmas here in our pre-fabricated smart homes. It is more convenient and provides a more organized and comfortable environment."
The mayor highlighted that this modular housing setup allows displaced families to live with dignity and begin the slow process of rebuilding their lives with a sense of normalcy.
Comprehensive Support for Immediate Needs
Beyond providing shelter, the Mandaue City Government, through the City Social Welfare Services Office, supplied the families with essential relief goods to support their immediate transition. The aid packages included:
- Sleeping mats
- Rice supplies
- Buckets
- Other basic necessities
The official turnover ceremony for the housing units was held on December 18, 2025. The event was witnessed by key city officials including City Administrator Gonzalo "Sally" Malig-on Jr., Housing and Urban Development Office head Karlo Cabahug, and General Services Department head Marivic Cabigas.
This initiative represents a significant step in Mandaue City's disaster response, transforming weeks of uncertainty for sixteen families into a foundation for a stable and hopeful future.
