The national government, in partnership with Mandaue City, is turning a new page for families displaced by severe flooding, beginning their transfer to a newly built modular housing community in Barangay Guizo.
A Model Community Takes Shape in Mandaue
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is spearheading the project at Pasilong sa Paradise, which aligns with a direct instruction from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to develop a full modular city. DHSUD Assistant Secretary Johnson Domingo announced that the initiative will see the construction of 200 modular homes, designed to be more than just shelters.
"The President's directive is to develop this into a modular city," Domingo stated. These units will be equipped with basic utilities like water and electricity and will feature community amenities such as basketball and volleyball courts to foster a complete living environment.
Phased Implementation and Holistic Support
The rollout will be done in phases. The initial phase involves 50 housing units, with an additional 150 units and potentially more to follow next year. Domingo emphasized that this project aims to be a benchmark, moving beyond previous smaller-scale efforts to create a community where families can live with dignity.
To ensure comprehensive support for the residents, several national agencies are involved. The Department of Health (DOH) will provide health services, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will offer livelihood and skills training programs, helping beneficiaries rebuild their economic lives.
A New Beginning for Flood-Affected Families
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano confirmed that the first batch of families is scheduled to move in on Monday, December 22, 2025. The initial beneficiaries are 14 families from Barangays Alang-Alang and Umapad who lost their homes to flooding caused by Typhoon Tino last November 4.
Mayor Ouano stressed that site readiness was a non-negotiable priority. "I did not want the evacuees to be transferred unless the area was fully prepared," he said, explaining that moving people to an unprepared location would contradict the goal of providing safer, more dignified conditions than emergency tents.
One of the beneficiaries, Guerlie Coyoca from Barangay Umapad, shared her harrowing experience. Her family's previous house was completely destroyed, and they endured frightening conditions at an evacuation center where floodwaters nearly reached the second floor. "We were truly terrified at that time," she recalled. Coyoca expressed profound gratitude for the modular home, hoping it will finally provide a safe, permanent residence free from the threat of floods.
Mayor Ouano extended his thanks to the Mandaue City Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and all national agencies that collaborated to make this housing project a reality for his constituents.
