A fire that struck Sityo Riverside in Villagonzalo 1, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City in the early hours of January 10, 2026, has mobilized a coordinated effort to provide safe and decent temporary housing for the affected families. The focus has shifted from immediate rescue to ensuring sustainable shelter for those who lost their homes.
Swift Deployment of Modular Shelter
Spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII through its Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) initiatives, the response included the rapid loading, delivery, and installation of modular tents. The Barangay Tejero Gymnasium was officially designated as the primary evacuation center to accommodate the displaced residents.
This prompt deployment was critical in providing immediate cover for evacuees, particularly protecting vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and other at-risk individuals from the elements and the stressful open-air environment of a typical gymnasium setup.
Community and Government Collaboration in Action
The installation process became a testament to community solidarity. Personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the City's Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS), and the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) worked hand-in-hand with Barangay Tejero officials.
Notably, several residents themselves volunteered to assist in erecting the tents, demonstrating a powerful spirit of bayanihan and mutual aid in the face of disaster. This collaboration ensured the efficient setup of the temporary shelter complex.
A Dignified and Organized Evacuation Space
In total, 49 modular tents have been installed inside the gymnasium. This breakdown includes 30 units provided by the DSWD and an additional 19 units supplied by the Barangay Tejero Local Government Unit (LGU).
Each tent is specifically designed to offer evacuees a degree of privacy and protection, creating a markedly better living condition compared to open-plan evacuation settings. This design helps maintain dignity and reduces health and security risks for families.
The Barangay Tejero Gymnasium has now been transformed into a centralized hub of safety and care. Government agencies continue to coordinate on-site to ensure the orderly management of the evacuation center. This ongoing coordination covers essential aspects like access to basic services, timely information dissemination, and the channeling of further assistance to those in need.
Response operations are continuing to address all emerging requirements and to safeguard the welfare of the impacted families as they await further support and the next steps in their recovery journey.
