Philippines: All-weather, PWD-friendly evacuation center to rise in Capiz

MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is constructing a P34 million regional evacuation center in Western Visayas.

DPWH Region 6 Director Wenceslao M. Leaño, Jr. said the construction of the evacuation center, which is being built in the highland barangay of Milibili in Roxas City, Capiz, is being hasten for completion to immediately cater to the public when the need arises.         

“We are constructing the evacuation center on a stable foundation that even strong wind and rain cannot easily destroy the building. It is also being built on a slope which makes it flood-proof,” said Leaño. 

The Region 6 evacuation center will have a 2-storey accommodation building complete with a prayer room, communication area, and a storage room convertible to play area in compliance to the Republic Act 10821 or the “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act.” 

The project also includes separate male and female toilets and bathroom, generator room, pump room, laundry and drying area, as well as a materials recovery facility. 

In addition, the center will have an infirmary building that will serve as hospital for the sick or injured evacuees, with pharmacy and an office for the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD). 

Leaño also noted that the area will have standard ramps, persons with disability (PWD) comfort rooms and wheelchair access ways for PWD evacuees. (DPWH)