Three (3) newly-constructed evacuation centers by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) now better prepare residents in the Municipality of Dingalan in Aurora during heavy rains come rainy season.
In his report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and Undersecretary for Operations in Central Luzon Roberto R. Bernardo, DPWH Regional Office 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino identified the Barangays of Butas na Bato, Matawe, and Umiray as the recipients of the evacuation centers.
Completed by DPWH Aurora District Engineering Office (DEO) in the total amount of P29.5 million, each evacuation center has two (2) storeys of available space that can be used as temporary shelters in times of calamities.
Director Tolentino underlined the importance of providing the multi-purpose facilities as Barangays Butas na Bato, Matawe, and Umiray are among the seven (7) flood-prone areas in the town of Dingalan, which is frequently visited by strong typhoons.
In September 2022, the onslaught of Super Typhoon Karding affected Dingalan’s 11 barangays resulting to 200 families displaced and over 6,000 houses damaged.
According to Director Tolentino, the geographical location of Aurora facing the Pacific Ocean with no natural barriers against typhoons is the main reason why construction of evacuation centers has become one of the priorities of DPWH in the province.