So we just had a series of earthquakes that rocked us to our core here in Mindanao. In fact, probably the strongest since 2019.
And I’ve been near the epicenter of one of the strongest quakes back in 2019 when my wife (who was my fiancée back then) and a couple of friends did a relief goods drive in Magsaysay.
I was against going to the place because of security issues but I didn’t know that something more terrible would happen to us there.
Here’s a recap of what happened to us in Magsaysay.
Anyway, that experience led me and my wife to agree on one of the few things we agree on in life: make an earthquake-proof home.
More specifically, we agree on living in a prefab home as the core structure of our home and then build a house around it. So the essentials stay within the prefab home and if the worst comes to the worst, we’ll still have a standing structure that’s equipped with lights, a comfort room and space to sleep.
Basically, a home in a box.
I’ve talked about getting a prefab home this year but we’re still saving up for it. I’m still actively looking for companies that provide prefab homes on installment basis. No luck yet.
I’ve also come to consider making a half cladding/half concrete house instead, but nothing’s permanent yet.
So Why Get a Prefab House?
Although my wife and I mutually agree that one of the most important reasons why we’re getting a prefab home is because it’s a safe alternative to a conventional home, my main reason is the price.
I mean it’s relatively cheap to buy one and have the most basic essentials (lights, secure windows and a door, plus optional comfort room) in it for one to comfortably live in. it can also be built pretty quickly.
If the team is already adept at building prefab homes, you can realistically have one delivered and built on the same day.
In Davao, we’ve seen a slow but steady rise in prefab options, thanks to local providers like Prefab Davao, Bahay Makabayan, and a few smaller fabricators popping up across Mindanao. They offer a mix of container-type homes, modular steel structures, and hybrid builds that combine traditional and prefab techniques.
And even before the earthquakes, there have been many others who’ve considered living in prefab homes.
The recent quakes just made it more evident to others that living in a prefab home may be worth considering if you value safety and a sense of continuity in life despite going through a disaster.
Why More Davaoeños Are Considering Prefab
After the quakes, it’s no surprise that people are rethinking how they build. But prefab isn’t just about safety — it’s also about speed, cost, and control.
Here’s what makes prefab so appealing right now:
1. Speed of Construction
Let’s say your family’s house got damaged or condemned. A traditional rebuild could take 6 to 8 months — maybe more if you’re waiting for materials or contractors.
Prefab homes, on the other hand, can be built in a matter of weeks once the modules are ready.
Companies like Prefab Davao and Bahay Makabayan specialize in pre-engineered panels and modular components that can be installed quickly once delivered.
For communities still recovering, that’s huge. Imagine having a safe, livable home up and running before the next rainy season even starts.
2. Factory Quality Control
Because prefab components are built in controlled environments, there’s less room for bad workmanship — no rain delays, no uneven cement mixing, no unmonitored shortcuts.
Every panel, frame, or joint passes through a standardized process, often with inspections and stress tests before leaving the factory. Some even follow international ISO standards or local structural codes, which is a comforting thought in a quake-prone area like ours.
When you think about the number of homes in Davao that cracked or partially collapsed during the recent quakes, that level of consistency suddenly makes a lot of sense.
3. Cost and Efficiency
Prefab homes are not always cheap, but they’re predictable.
Since everything’s pre-measured and fabricated, there’s little waste and fewer labor surprises. You can get a fixed price early on — which means no “Sir, nadagdagan tayo ng materials” every other week. (I went through this problem when I opted to build a small concrete tiny house at the farm.)
And because on-site work is minimized, you’re less dependent on scarce skilled labor, which is one of the biggest cost drivers post-disaster.
The Catch: Prefab Is Only as Strong as Its Design
Now let’s be honest — not all prefab homes are created equal.
Some are designed as temporary shelters, meant for rapid deployment after disasters. Others are engineered permanent homes, with proper foundations and seismic bracing that can withstand significant tremors.
The key difference lies in engineering.
A prefab home can be earthquake-resistant, but only if:
- The structural design follows seismic load calculations based on the Philippine Building Code.
- Modules are anchored properly to a strong foundation.
- The joints and connections are designed to absorb and distribute movement, not just resist it.
This is where you need to be a bit makulit as a buyer. Always ask for:
- Signed structural analysis by a licensed engineer.
- Foundation design details — not just “it’s bolted to the ground.”
- Connection plans for how each module joins together.
If the company can’t show you these, walk away.
Local Providers Stepping Up
Here in Davao, we’re lucky to have companies who are starting to understand local conditions and adapt to them.
Prefab Davao
They focus on modular residential and commercial units built for fast deployment. Their models are known for cost-efficiency and speed, and some designs can be expanded later — perfect for starting small and upgrading over time.
I could spend hours and hours just looking at their designs on Instagram.
Here, try to see if you find one you like.
Bahay Makabayan (BMPrefabs)
They’re another key player offering modern, energy-efficient modular homes that are designed to handle tropical weather. Some of their units even feature steel-reinforced frames and PU sandwich panels, which have better insulation and rigidity than plain containers.
They may not have the same number of designs as prefab davao but they do have good results.
I just wish they’d fix their website because there are so many bad links and images not showing up.
Other smaller shops in Mindanao also offer container conversions — great for temporary offices, roadside cafés, or rental cabins — though you’ll need to double-check if they meet residential building standards.
But What About Comfort and Aesthetics?
Let’s admit it — a lot of Filipinos still picture prefab homes as “boxy” or “pang-relocation.”
That’s slowly changing. Modern prefab homes can look as stylish and cozy as any custom-built house. You can add sliding glass doors, wood paneling, tiled bathrooms, and even solar panels.
The difference is that everything’s measured and installed with precision, giving you clean lines and efficient use of space. Some modular homes are even energy-efficient, with insulation layers that help keep the interior cool — a major plus during Davao’s scorching afternoons.
It’s a box.
No matter how much you dress it up, it’ll always be a box.
You either live with it or learn to deal with it or just pass up on it.
Simple.
Tata for now 😊
