Tino Displaced Families Get New Homes as Mandaue Marks Christmas

Sixteen families displaced by Typhoon Tino have been relocated to permanent housing at the Bayanihan Village of Pasilong sa Paradise in Barangay Guizo, Mandaue City, days before Christmas, the city government said.

According to the Mandaue City Public Affairs Office, the families formally transferred to their new homes on December 23, 2025, ending weeks of stay in evacuation centers in Barangays Alang-Alang and Umapad.

The families lost their houses after Typhoon Tino struck Central Visayas on November 4, 2025, leaving several communities in Mandaue City severely affected by flooding and strong winds.

The relocated families were provided with pre-fabricated modular housing units, which city officials described as safer and more dignified alternatives to temporary shelters.

The housing units are equipped with basic utilities and are intended to provide displaced residents with a more stable living environment as they recover from the disaster.

Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the relocation fulfilled a long-standing promise to typhoon survivors and marked an important step in helping them rebuild their lives after months of uncertainty.

“Now you can see that they are properly settled here. They already have complete utilities,” Ouano said.

“At least they can celebrate Christmas here in our pre-fabricated smart homes. It is more convenient for them and provides a more organized and comfortable environment.”

Ouano emphasized that the city government ensured the relocation site was fully prepared before transferring the families. He said the decision to move evacuees was carefully planned to avoid placing them in another vulnerable situation.

In an interview on December 18, 2025, the mayor explained that families from Barangays Alang-Alang and Umapad were prioritized due to the extensive damage sustained by their homes.

“We asked for their understanding because the process is not easy, and I did not want the evacuees to be transferred unless the area was fully prepared,” he said.

“This is much better than letting them stay in tents, where rain can easily enter and where it becomes extremely hot.”

The mayor added that the modular housing arrangement allows the families to regain a sense of dignity and normalcy after losing most of their belongings during the typhoon.

“This setup allows them to live with dignity and helps them slowly rebuild their lives,” he said.

“I am deeply thankful to the City of Mandaue, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and all the national agencies we requested assistance from for making these modular homes a reality.”

Aside from housing, the city government also provided relief assistance to the relocated families.

Through the City Social Welfare Services Office (CSWSO), the beneficiaries received sleeping mats, rice, buckets, and other basic household items to help them adjust to their new surroundings. The distribution was led by CSWSO focal person Glydiza Gochoco.

City officials said the assistance was meant to address the immediate needs of the families as they transition from evacuation centers to permanent shelters, particularly during the holiday season.

Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the city government for the timely relocation, saying it provided them with comfort and peace of mind as Christmas approached.

One of the beneficiaries, Guerlie Coyoca from Barangay Umapad, said her family lost nearly everything when their house was swept away by floodwaters during the typhoon.

“I am very thankful that I am one of those who were able to avail of this housing program under Mayor Jonkie Ouano,” Coyoca said.

“Our previous home was totally washed out, and we were only able to save a few pieces of clothing.”

Coyoca said moving into a secure and permanent home has given her family renewed hope after months of hardship, allowing them to celebrate the holidays together under safer conditions.

The turnover of the housing units was witnessed by Mayor Ouano, City Administrator Atty. Sally Malig-on Jr., Housing and Urban Development Office (HUDO) Department Head Karlo Cabahug, and General Services Department (GSD) Head Engineer Marivic Cabigas during the relocation activities on December 18, 2025.

City officials said additional relocation and housing projects remain part of Mandaue City’s ongoing disaster recovery and preparedness efforts, particularly for communities living in flood-prone areas.