Some 600 temporary shelters for Marawi IDPs ready by December, HUDCC Chair says

By the end of December, about 600 temporary shelters will be ready for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi City.

Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman Eduardo del Rosario made the announcement during his ocular site inspection of the Transitional Shelters Area at Barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City.

He disclosed that every month around 100-200 housing units will be constructed.

"1,175 ang target. Every month magkakaroon ng 100-200 housing units na macocomplete," said Del Rosario. [The target is 1,175. Every month 100-200 housing units will be completed].

Each transitional shelter measures 22 square meters with kitchen and sink and a toilet.

Common facilities include madrasahs (Islamic religious schools), wet and dry market, health facilities, barangay tanod outpost and even a transport terminal. There will also be basic services like water facilities and electricity.

Del Rosario also explained that good quality and durable materials are being used for the construction of the housing units.

"It is made of steel panel; it is earthquake resistant na ibig sabihin ay kahit may earthquake hindi matutumba [which means, when there is earthquake, it will not collapse]," he said.

According to Del Rosario, those who no longer have houses to return to will be prioritized to occupy the transitional shelters.

He added that the construction of permanent shelters will begin in a few months’ time.

"We have to be sure na ang lote na gagamitin ay safe [that the lot to be used is safe], hindi [not] very risky for flooding, risky for earthquake; that it is included in the comprehensive land use plan of the city," said Del Rosario.

Del Rosario also shared that close coordination with the local officials of Marawi is being maintained to ensure that the plans initiated are culturally sensitive.

"The government, as instructed by the President, ensures na pag sila ay lumipat [that when they return], they can say na comfortable sila sa kanilang lilipatan [that they will feel comfortable to where they will be transferred]," Del Rosario concluded. (LEAntonio/PIA)