This research presents lessons in building disaster-resilient settlements generated from the experience of Cagayan de Oro City, in Mindanao, the Philippines after Tropical Storm Sendong (international name: Washi) swept through the city, affected more than 40,000 families in 41 barangays (villages), claimed 750 lives, wiped away houses, and changed the riverscape.

The lessons learned center on midterm and long-term planning and policy measures relevant to a rapidly urbanizing city nestled in the middle of a fragile watershed. Local governments in the Philippines find that their settlements are vulnerable to natural disasters, but often belatedly, that is, postdisaster. For a city such as Cagayan de Oro, which has rarely experienced such events for generations, Sendong was an eye-opener in many ways. For a highly urbanized city that has a river running through its center, planning a resilient settlement involved integrating the lessons from Sendong.

Research methodology

In addition to a historical review of the development of Cagayan de Oro City, an analysis was made of the local policies and regulations related to settlements and environment planning, including the city's comprehensive land use plan, comprehensive development plan, and disaster risk-reduction and management plan. Key informant interviews were conducted with the city planning and development officer, city engineer, city environment and natural resources officer, and long-time residents of Cagayan de Oro.

Visits to the city, which is also the author's hometown, were made immediately after Sendong struck, providing a firsthand observation of the events that shook the population and made the government rethink its land use and settlements planning.