Typhoon Recovery in La Union: Why Modular Homes Matter for the Philippines

Over 70,000 families were affected and more than 350 homes destroyed after Typhoon Emong struck Northern Luzon last month. Power lines went down, trees were uprooted, and communities across San Fernando, La Union are still working hard to rebuild their lives. When the devastation became clear, we knew we had to act. Our team drove up to La Union to personally deliver much-needed construction materials including roofing sheets, tarps, nails, hammers, and rope, in response to an urgent call from Citizens for LU, one of the many local organizations leading rebuilding efforts. We may be a small company, but our connection to La Union runs deep. We held our first team offsite there last year at The Lark Inn, which thankfully sustained only minor damage. La Union gave us rest, inspiration, and energy, so supporting its community in this difficult time feels personal and necessary.

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The Role of Local Businesses in Disaster Recovery

Local organizations and small businesses are stepping up alongside the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and international aid groups. For us, this is not just an act of generosity, it is about responsibility in a country that experiences more than 20 typhoons every year. This experience strengthened a belief we have held since the beginning: climate-resilient and sustainable housing is essential.

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Building Resilience Through Modular Construction

At Hive, our mission is clear: to transform how homes are built. Through modular construction and prefabricated construction methods, we are bringing innovation, precision, and speed to an industry that needs modernization. Our approach to modular housing focuses on delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions without compromising design. Whether it is modular homes in the Philippines or models for international markets, we believe this method of building can redefine what modern housing means.

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Building Beyond Walls: Jobs, Skills, and Communities

In response to growing climate challenges, we are developing a new line of rapidly deployable modular shelters designed for disaster response. While still in research and development, this initiative builds on our expertise in modular construction and prefabricated construction methods, sustainable housing solutions that balance strength and design, and modern housing innovations that can scale quickly during emergencies. Our focus has always been on delivering beautifully designed, expertly crafted, and durable modular homes in the Philippines. From two-bedroom modular housing designs to larger community-scale builds, the goal is to provide resilient options for families and communities when they need them most.

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Looking Ahead

We believe modular housing and prefab construction are not just trends, they are solutions for a climate-vulnerable nation. By investing in modular home design and sustainable housing models, the Philippines can better prepare for disasters while also addressing its long-term housing challenges. We are grateful to Citizens for LU for their trust and tireless work. Recovery takes time, but with collaboration, innovation, and responsibility, communities can emerge stronger. We will continue sharing updates as our modular housing projects progress, and as always, we remain committed to supporting the people of La Union and beyond.

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Let’s keep building. 🐝

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Written by John Avrett.

CEO and Founder of Hive Modular.