Cebu City Scrambles for Tent City Site to Relocate Typhoon Survivors
The Cebu City Government is actively working to establish a dedicated "tent city" to provide shelter for hundreds of families displaced by Typhoon Tino, who are still occupying public school classrooms. Mayor Nestor Archival has confirmed the plan but admits that the primary obstacle is securing a suitable piece of land for the temporary relocation site.
Extended Stay in Schools and the Search for Land
To ensure the affected families are not left without refuge, the City has officially extended the permission for evacuees to remain in the schools until Thursday, November 20, 2025. Mayor Archival has made a public appeal to property owners and institutions, asking them to open their hearts and lands to help the city in this critical time.
"If anyone has a place that can be rented so we can put up these tents, I am asking for your help," the Mayor stated. He emphasized that while the local government can provide the tents, they are desperately seeking partners with "kind and compassionate hearts" willing to offer a temporary space.
The initial goal is to gather between 50 to 100 tents for the first phase of the operation. Once a site is finalized, the city will set up a soft kitchen to provide meals, and several private groups have already pledged their support.
Impact on Schools and the Path Forward
The continued use of schools as evacuation centers is significantly disrupting educational activities. According to the Schools Division of Cebu City, eight schools are still housing evacuees.
The most affected schools include:
- Bacayan Elementary School: 712 evacuees in 23 rooms (limited emergency classes)
- Talamban Elementary School: 621 evacuees in 18 rooms (regular classes ongoing)
- San Jose Elementary School: 385 evacuees in 15 rooms (modular distance learning)
- Regino Mercado Night High School: 241 evacuees in 12 rooms (regular classes ongoing)
Other schools like Lusaran National High School, Lusaran Elementary School, OPRRA Elementary School, and San Jose National High School are also sheltering smaller numbers of families, with most implementing modular distance learning to cope.
Mayor Archival stressed that finding a relocation area is urgent to normalize school operations. The tent city is envisioned as a temporary solution for a few months while preparations for Medium-Rise Buildings (MRBs) are underway. The local government is prepared to build common comfort rooms and shower areas at the chosen site.
"We only need a few months... We just really need a place," Archival added, reinforcing his call to action: "Help the City Government. Let us help the City of Cebu."
