The National Housing Authority (NHA) is identifying relocation sites away from danger zones in Cebu for families displaced by the deadly magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province on September 30.
In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, NHA General Manager Joeben Tai said the agency is looking for safe relocation sites for more than 2,000 families from Bogo City—the quake’s epicenter—and nearby San Remigio town.
“We are looking for suitable sites. Those displaced do not want to live near ground zero. They are afraid of the daily aftershocks,” Tai said.
He added that they are still finalizing the number of beneficiaries, noting that since the families are calamity victims, they will not be required to pay for the units.
Each unit will be a two-bedroom row house on a 40-square-meter lot with a 27-square-meter floor area.
“We will construct a school, a covered court, and other community facilities,” Tai said.
Apart from the housing assistance, the NHA will distribute ₱10,000 for partially damaged houses and ₱30,000 for totally damaged ones starting October 10.
The NHA is also coordinating with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and local government units to identify suitable and stable land for relocation. The agency plans to begin construction once the sites are cleared and funds are released.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday reported that more than 62,000 houses were damaged following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu, on September 30.
In its latest 6 a.m. situational report, the agency said 62,531 houses were affected—57,677 partially damaged and 4,854 totally destroyed. A total of 733 infrastructure structures were also reported damaged.
The quake affected 669,794 individuals, or 179,252 families, across Central Visayas. Of these, 1,533 people (381 families) remain in evacuation centers, while 5,372 others (997 families) are staying with relatives or in temporary shelters.
The death toll stood at 72, with 559 others injured. The NDRRMC said incidents of landslides, fires, collapsed structures, and chemical leaks were recorded as a result of the quake.
Four of the eight affected road sections and 10 of the 20 damaged bridges remain impassable. Power supply has yet to be fully restored in 48 of the 91 affected areas, while water supply issues persist in one of eight affected localities. Communication lines also remain unstable in several areas.
Operations remain suspended in two of three affected seaports. Classes have been suspended in 115 areas, while work stoppages were declared in 29 areas due to the quake’s impacts.
The provincial government has declared a state of calamity across Cebu. Assistance amounting to ₱146,058,763 has so far been extended to affected communities, according to the NDRRMC.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, a total of 9,108 aftershocks had been recorded, 38 of which were felt. These aftershocks ranged in magnitude from 1.0 to 5.1, though their frequency has continued to decrease.
Authorities said disaster response and relief operations remain ongoing, with engineers conducting structural assessments in affected municipalities. The Department of Public Works and Highways has started clearing operations in damaged roads and bridges, while utility companies are working to restore electricity and water supply.
Government agencies also reminded residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks and to follow evacuation and safety advisories from local disaster management offices.
