6 evacuation centers worth P330-M completed in Bicol

EVACUATION CENTERS. One of the six disaster-resilient evacuation centers located in Capitol Compound in Pili, Camarines Sur, has been completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The design of the structures and facilities are gender sensitive, giving comfort and ease to women, children, senior citizens and physically challenged individuals. (Photo by DPWH Bicol)

LEGAZPI CITY -- Six out of the eight disaster-resilient evacuation centers allocated for Bicol under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) have already been completed, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here said.

DPWH spokesperson Lucy Castañeda said the completed evacuation centers costing P330M are located in Barangay Tughan, Juban, Sorsogon; Virac, Catanduanes; Capitol Compound in Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur; Barangay Sto. Domingo in Vinzons, Camarines Norte; Barangay Balading in Malinao, Albay; and Barangay Bolod in San Pascual, Burias Island, Masbate.

“The remaining two evacuation centers in Libon, Albay and Tinambac, Camarines Sur are targeted for completion before end of this year,” she said in an interview Monday.

Citing DPWH Bicol Rgional Director Virgilio Eduarte, Castañeda said the selection of project sites underwent intensive evaluation process to ensure that the structures will be safe during disasters.

A minimum of 3,000-square-meter lot area is required to house a two-story accommodation building, toilet and bath, three-story laundry/drying and elevated water tank, a power house, and other structures that may be deemed necessary by the Provincial/City/Municipal Risk Reduction Management.

The design of the structures and facilities is gender-sensitive, giving comfort and ease to women, children, senior citizens, and physically-challenged individuals.

There are separate toilets and bath areas for male and female; while ramps, railings, water/lighting facilities and fixtures will address the basic needs of targeted beneficiaries

“During normal times, these evacuation centers will serve as venues for disaster trainings, calamity drills, information education campaigns, and other disaster preparedness activities,” Castañeda added.