San juan city: Families displaced by a devastating fire in San Juan City have expressed their gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for providing modular shelter units (MSUs), which have become their safe haven.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DHSUD handed over the MSUs, each equipped with essential amenities like a comfort room and sink, to the San Juan City government. These units serve as temporary shelters for over 100 families affected by the fire in Barangay Batis. Secretary Jose Ramin Aliling of the DHSUD emphasized their commitment to delivering dignified and responsive shelters for disaster-affected families, in line with President Marcos Jr.'s directive.

The beneficiaries have shared how these MSUs have restored safety, stability, and a sense of normalcy to their lives. Jennifer Solis, a barangay employee from San Juan, spoke about the struggle her family faced while waiting for safe shelter. She expressed relief and gratitude for the security provided by the MSUs, allowing her family to sleep without fear.

Another beneficiary, Rachel Ravela, a massage therapist, recounted losing all their belongings in the fire. She highlighted the role of the San Juan City government in seeking support from DHSUD, leading to the deployment of the temporary shelters, which also serve as a staging area under the Expanded 4PH program.

Danilo Dolasco, an employee of the San Juan Integrated School, shared that their previous living conditions were crowded and unsafe. The temporary housing has given his family a renewed sense of peace and hope. Similarly, Jason Lantero, a former shoe factory worker, thanked President Marcos for the temporary housing unit, which provided stability after his family lived in a flood-prone area following the fire.

Emily Siguya, a hotel cashier, described the emotional relief of having a secure home after months of uncertainty. The deployment of MSUs as temporary shelters for calamity-stricken families is part of DHSUD's recent innovations in disaster response, similar to their efforts in Cebu and Davao Oriental following two significant earthquakes in late September and early October.