The temporary housing for internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Bago City, Negros Occidental is taking shape in the form of ‘bahay kubo’ (nipa hut) village.
As of Wednesday, 33 out of 50 bahay kubo units have been set up at the Payag Sang Kapag-on Village in the city’s relocation site in Barangay Napoles.
“So far, 33 units have been set up, with underground electrical cables, LED (light emitting diode) lights, switches and outlets already installed,” the Office of Civil Defense-Western Visayas (OCD-6) said in an update.
Septic tanks for portable toilets are being installed to ensure proper sanitation, it added.
The bahay kubo village is among the initiatives undertaken by the city government to prepare for the possible escalation of Mt. Kanlaon from Alert Level 3 to 4 in case of another eruption after the explosive eruption on Dec. 9, 2024.
At least 23 affected families or 50 individuals, who are residents within the six-kilometer danger zone, have remained in evacuation sites.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Dr. Merijene Ortizo said nipa huts are more resilient alternative to tents.
“The structures are specifically designed to provide privacy and natural ventilation for the families, while fostering a communal living environment,” she said.
Since last month, representatives of the OCD Regional Incident Management Team, the Department of Health, and the Bureau of Fire Protection have been monitoring the establishment of the relocation site. (PNA)
