The Cebu City Council is taking a significant step towards formally protecting residents who lose their homes due to calamities or government actions. A proposed measure seeks to institutionalize humane treatment, financial support, and minimum living standards for displaced individuals and families.
A Rights-Based Framework for Displacement
Introduced by City Councilor Mikel Rama, the proposed "Dignity to the Displaced Ordinance of 2026" aims to establish a rights-based system for managing displacement. It specifically targets those forced to leave their homes because of natural disasters or government clearing operations in danger zones. The ordinance's core objective is to ensure that the welfare and dignity of affected citizens are upheld during such crises.
Key Mechanisms and Mandates
To implement this framework, the ordinance will create Task Force Dignidad. This multi-agency body will be led by the Office of the City Mayor and include the Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS), the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), and the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP).
The task force's responsibilities are comprehensive. They will coordinate all humanitarian relief efforts, manage the overall displacement response, and guarantee that aid and housing standards are strictly followed.
A crucial component of the plan is the establishment of a Displaced Persons Registry, to be managed by the DSWS. This official registry will serve as the primary basis for identifying legitimate beneficiaries and distributing assistance efficiently and transparently.
Financial Aid and Shelter Standards
The proposed law mandates the city government to provide mandatory transitional financial assistance to families whose homes are destroyed or damaged. This aid is intended to cover temporary rental costs, transportation, and urgent livelihood needs, offering a crucial economic buffer during recovery.
Furthermore, the ordinance sets clear minimum humanitarian standards for evacuation centers and transitional shelters. These standards include:
- A minimum floor space of 1.5 square meters per person for short-term displacement and 3.5 square meters for long-term stays.
- Gender-segregated toilets and bathing facilities.
- Designated health stations within shelters.
- Proper ventilation, lighting, and lockable doors for security and privacy.
- Accessibility features such as ramps and handrails for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.
By proposing these concrete measures, the Cebu City Council aims to transform ad-hoc disaster response into a systematic, dignified, and rights-based process for its most vulnerable residents.
