Cebu City's Urgent Search for Evacuee Relocation Site
The Cebu City Government is working urgently to establish a temporary tent city that will accommodate hundreds of evacuees who continue to occupy public school facilities. Mayor Nestor Archival has identified the search for suitable land as the most significant challenge facing the relocation effort.
The city has extended the stay of evacuees in schools until November 20, 2025, ensuring affected families have temporary shelter while awaiting the construction of Medium-Rise Buildings (MRBs). This extension provides crucial breathing room for both the displaced families and school operations.
Overtime Efforts and Community Appeal
City officials and barangay leaders have been working overtime to identify potential locations for the tent city. Mayor Archival emphasized that while the city can provide tents, they desperately need institutions or individuals with compassionate hearts willing to offer land.
"We are asking for help from anyone who has space we can use to put up these tents," Archival stated during his appeal to the community. The city hopes to gather between 50 to 100 tents for initial deployment once a location is secured.
Comprehensive Support System Planned
The local government has committed to providing a soft kitchen for food preparation, while private individuals and groups have offered additional assistance once the site is finalized. The city must also construct common comfort rooms and shower areas to ensure basic sanitation needs are met.
According to the Cebu City Schools Division, public schools continue to shelter families who lost their homes while simultaneously conducting regular classes. Mayor Archival acknowledged that the ongoing use of classrooms as evacuation sites has affected school operations.
"We only need a few months while MRB preparations are ongoing. We just really need a place," Archival added, highlighting the temporary nature of the proposed tent city solution. The mayor continues to call on institutions and property owners willing to host the evacuees during this critical transition period.
