Resort owners learn about F-shelter
August 24, 2015

Using a prototype, DOST-FPRDI’s Ms. Grecelda A. Eusebio (left, standing) and Mr. Pedrito Q. Lontok (right, foreground) explain the advantages of the Institute’s F-shelter to Mr. Arthur Abella of the Saud Beach Resort in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Along with other DOST-FPRDI techno-transfer staff, Ms. Eusebio and Mr. Lontok gave the same presentation in a recent visit to other beach resorts in Region I – Sebay, Kahuna and San Juan in San Juan, La Union and the Imperial Resort in Piddig, Ilocos Norte; the RU Garcia Furniture Shop andthe Provincial Science and Technology Center in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur and the Department of Tourism Office in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

According to Ms. Eusebio, everyone they talked to was receptive to the idea of the F-shelter, and generally had the same concerns – the materials needed, the cost, size and life span of the shelter as well as its resistance to typhoons.

The F-shelter is a collapsible, shop-fabricated house that can be folded, packed and used repeatedly. With a floor that can be mounted on prefabricated footings, it can be assembled by four medium-built workers using simple tools. Doors and windows similar to those in site-built houses make the shelter more secure than a tent.

Says FPRDI’s Engr. Albert O. Pareja, “The F-shelter offers the amenities of a permanent house because it is structurally designed to resist weathering, extreme temperatures, winds, and other harmful natural forces. Thus, it can also serve as a mobile vacation house, emergency shelter, workers’ quarters, depot for food and emergency supplies during disaster relief operations, emergency classroom, mobile clinic for medical missions, and field office for construction projects.” (Rizalina K. Araral, 17 August 2015)#