Nine (9) regional evacuation centers located in the six provinces of Western Visayas are underway and will soon be accommodating the public in times of calamities and disasters.
The said centers, with the total contract amount of ₱310.301 Million and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VI, are constructed in San Jose in Antique, Kalibo in Aklan, Roxas City in Capiz, Nueva Valencia in Guimaras, Carles and Zarraga in Iloilo and Bago City, San Carlos City and Sagay City in Negros Occidental.
Three of these centers, located in Negros Occidental are substantially completed while those in Antique, Aklan, Capiz and Iloilo are nearing completion and the one in Guimaras is also more than half way constructed.
According to District Engineer Genaro M. Panganiban of DPWH Negros Occidental Fourth District Engineering Office, the evacuation center situated in Bago City is almost completed, with some remaining final touches.
“The completion of the center is timely this rainy season wherein we expect series of typhoons that could cause floods, landslides and other calamities,” he said.
Each evacuation center has a lot area of roughly 3,000 square meters and floor area ranging from 1,300 to 1,600 square meters, except the one in Bago City, Negros Occidental, with the lot area of 5,000 square meters.
These centers have accommodation building that can house around 33 families or 130 individual, infirmary building that will serve as hospital for the sick and injured evacuees, and pharmacy for quick medical response during calamity.
Once completed, these evacuation centers will provide temporary refuge to individuals and families potentially at risk or in actual danger during calamities and disasters.