Prototype sustainable and disaster-resilient house inaugurated in Ubay, Bohol

On 17 December 2024, the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), through the Ateneo Policy Center (APC), in partnership with the Department of Health - Health Promotion Bureau (DOH-HPB), Technical Assistance Movement for People and Environment, Inc. (TAMPEI), and the Municipality of Ubay unveiled the prototype sustainable and disaster-resilient house.

The inauguration comes at a significant time, coinciding with the third commemoration of Typhoon Odette’s landfall, which destroyed nearly 17,000 homes in the province of Bohol. The prototype house stands as a material response to the lessons of the past and the desire for initiatives that can withstand future challenges.

Ms. Andrea Beatriz Lee-Llacer of the DOH-HPB and Ar. Louie Robert Posadas of the TAMPEI presented an overview of the project, emphasizing the importance of building disaster-resilient communities with a health-focused foundation.

Hon. Oscar Boyles, Chairman of Barangay Bood, expressed gratitude for selecting Ubay as the project site and committed to taking care of the prototype like their home. Messages of support from Mr. Jun Flores, on behalf of Governor and Congresswoman Aumentado, Mr. Maxwell Cutamora representing LGU Ubay Mayor Reyes, Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go of ASOG, and Ms. Lucy Aguiman of Center for Health Development (CHD) emphasized the project’s significance in post-Odette efforts and described the prototype house as a symbol of hope and collaboration.

The messages of support were followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the official launch of the prototype house, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative marker. Attendees also participated in the symbolic signing of the commitment wall, pledging support for sustainable and disaster-resilient initiatives.

Dr. Dominic Maddumba, OIC-Director III of the DOH-HPB, delivered an inspiring closing message, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind this milestone and the shared vision of a more resilient future. He emphasized that health extends beyond hospitals and encompasses safety and stability provided by resilient and affordable housing. The prototype house serves as a proof of concept that a whole-of-nation approach works.

The event forms part of ASOG’s commitment to strengthening health systems through community-centered resilience and sustainable development, supporting the University’s thrust in advancing universal health care. It also testifies to health security as a central pillar of the program, underscoring the need for robust and evidence-based systems to safeguard communities from both emerging and persistent health threats.