President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate establishment of a “tent city” in Bogo City to provide temporary, secure shelter for residents displaced by the destructive 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the area on September 30.
The order was given on Thursday during the President’s visit to Bogo City, where he personally oversaw ongoing relief and recovery efforts. President Marcos acknowledged the widespread damage to infrastructure, including buildings used as evacuation centers, which has understandably made residents fearful of returning to enclosed structures.
“We are rushing this so they will have shelter here,” the President stated after presiding over a situation briefing at the Bogo City Hall, which itself sustained major damage. “Many, and rightly so, are afraid to go back inside buildings. They prefer to stay outside.”
Respecting the residents’ preference for open-air shelter, the President confirmed the immediate execution of the “tent city” proposal.
“That is their wish, and that is what we will follow. So, that’s why the proposal is the tent city,” President Marcos added.
The government will tap the Philippine Red Cross to deploy large-scale medical field tents, previously utilized as staging and isolation wards during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The President highlighted the suitability of these assets, noting their quick deployment and ability to withstand rain.
“We will bring in the large tents and set them up,” the President explained to local government unit (LGU) executives. “These are the Red Cross tents used during COVID. They are fast to set up, and rain is not a problem. That is what we will bring here now.”
President Marcos stressed that the government would ensure the tent facilities are fully equipped to provide necessary basic services for the evacuees.
“Wherever we set up this ‘tent city,’ we will, of course, equip it with all the facilities,” he affirmed. “We will ensure there is a food supply, a water supply, and electricity—generator sets if needed. We will ensure the people’s every need is met.”
The President concluded his visit by assuring all earthquake-affected communities of the national government’s continued and unwavering support in all ongoing relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts.
