Evacuation Centers to rise in Panay - Philippines

Read article : Evacuation Centers to rise in Panay - Philippines

Elsa S. Subong

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 23 (PIA6)—There are evacuation centers intended to be put up in the provinces in Panay, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

DPWH Regional Information Officer Vivian Tan said in a press release, that an amount of P216 million has been allocated for these centers, each costing about P30 million.

Engr. Oliver Zamora, chief Maintenance Division, said there are two of these centers now being constructed in San Jose, Antique and in Roxas City.

The remaining centers are to be put up in Kalibo, Aklan; Libertad, Antique; Carles and Zarraga in Iloilo.

“Each evacuation center has a lot area of about 3,000 square meters and floor area of 1,600 square meters,” Zamora said.

“The one in Libertad, Antique is still subject to geohazard screening by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau,” he added.

Zamora said that each center has an accommodation structure that can house 33 families or about 130 persons.

The center has five male and female toilets and bath and a separate one for persons with disabilities.

Further, each center has a generator room, pump room, laundry area, water tanks with a capacity of 6,000 gallons, cistern tank with the capacity of 16,000 gallons and a materials recovery facility (MRF).

Zamora said that a center has an infirmary building, which will serve as a hospital for the sick and injured evacuees, and a pharmacy, for quick medical response.

“A space for the Office of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and for the Office of Civil Defense will be provided for in the second floor of the building,” Zamora said.

Zamora added that the center will provide temporary refuge to individuals and families potentially at risk or in actual danger.

“The centers will also ensure the safety of people during disasters and calamities and contribute in minimizing risks,” Zamora added. (JSC/ESS/PIA6 Iloilo)