By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The Bago City government in Negros Occidental has started developing a seven-hectare relocation site for families displaced by the ongoing activity of Kanlaon Volcano, with 14 modernized nipa huts already installed in Barangay Napoles as of January 21.
Dr. Merijene Ortizo, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said during a Tuesday media interview that the nipa huts, or bahay kubo units, are part of the city’s plan to construct 50 units.
Each nipa hut costs PHP 50,000, which includes installation and delivery.
The relocation site will house 24 families, or approximately 50 individuals, with units spaced five meters apart to ensure privacy.
Ortizo noted that Bago City is the first in Negros Occidental to use modernized nipa huts as evacuation shelters, opting for sustainable housing instead of conventional modular tents.
“This is part of the city’s initiative to provide sustainable housing for families displaced by the ongoing volcanic activity,” Ortizo said.
She explained that the bahay kubo design was chosen for its eco-friendly nature, better ventilation, and cultural relevance, adding that tents have proven unsuitable for harsh weather conditions.
Although the city requested 1,000 tents from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), only 14 have been delivered, as the national government prioritized a tent city in Himamaylan for the possible escalation of volcanic activity.
The Bago City Engineering Office (CEO) has initiated site development, including road access and communal facilities like toilets and kitchens.
Ortizo added that additional funding has been requested from the provincial government to complete the facilities.
The relocation site will also feature secure spaces for medical teams, child-friendly areas, and women-friendly spaces.
“We aim to complete the site development and hold a blessing before the City’s Charter Day anniversary in the second or third week of February,” Ortizo said.
Representatives from the OCD-Regional Incident Management Team (IMT), Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Capiz DRRMO have visited the site to assess progress.
The initiative highlights Bago City’s proactive approach to disaster preparedness and sustainable solutions for evacuees, ensuring safer and more dignified living conditions for affected families.
