At least 2,500 tents to house displaced families in Cebu quake

Up to 2,500 tents are expected to be put up at this vacant lot in Barangay Cogon, Bogo City for residents displaced by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that devastated northern Cebu.

The earthquake’s epicenter was traced off Bogo City.

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, Philippine National Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon, and Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco were present when the tent city was established on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

The tent city will have water stations, sanitation facilities, and other amenities.

A tent city will also be established in neighboring Medellin town. Up to 200 tents will be put up there.

Four days after the earthquake struck late evening on September 30, many residents, even those who did not lose their homes, have chosen to stay outdoors, even at night, for fear of the dangers the continuing aftershocks will bring.

As of October 4, the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology (PHIVOLCS) recorded at least 5,092 aftershocks.

“Kawawa naman kasi ang mga kababayan natin that are currently nasa roads nakakakat kawawa sila from the elements, so the LGU will be handling that,” Dizon said.

Gordon said the tent city is “a complete city… practically may medical na, although the mayor already has a health center nearby.”

Bogo City Vice Mayor Carlo Martinez said first to be accommodated are families whose houses were destroyed.

“First, we will start with the families na ‘yung bahay permanently na-damage talaga. Second po, may report kasi sa PHIVOLCS new fault line so maybe we will convince or force evacuate those residing along the fault line,” he said.

The earthquake killed at least 73 people and injured at least 297.

It has affected 47,221 families (170,959 individuals).