3rd Evacuation Center in Cordillera Opens

The third regional evacuation center (REC) built by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in the Cordillera region opened on Wednesday.

“We are targeting to build eight regional evacuation centers in the Cordillera within the year,” Office of Civil Defense (OCD) – Cordillera director Albert Mogol said.

The PHP36-million facility, built on a 3,000-square meter land area donated by the provincial government at the Provincial Engineering Office compound in Barangay Wangal, can accommodate 130 individuals, or about 33 families.

It carries the standard evacuation center complex design of the Department of Public Works and Highways that has gender-sensitive facilities.

Aside from the living quarters, it has a dining area, a nursing room for mothers and babies, separate bathrooms for male and female, wash area, an area for garbage disposal, a large parking area, and an activity area where “residents” can do activities while staying in the facility.

It also has an office and infirmary building and a generator room.

The facility was conceptualized to give comfort and allow the evacuees to move freely and normally.

It is the national government’s counterpart in mitigating human suffering during calamities, giving evacuation centers to the different provinces.

Mogol said the establishment of regional evacuation centers would ensure that classes are not disrupted after a calamity. School buildings and classrooms are usually used as evacuation center for families affected by disasters.

“This will also address the issue on lack of permanent evacuation centers in the region,” Mogol said.

The first regional evacuation center was built in Apayao while the second was in Abra province.

Mogol said the Cordillera region will have five more RECs — in Bauko, Mountain Province; Lagawe, Ifugao; Tabuk City, Kalinga; La Paz, Abra; and one more in Kalinga province. (PNA)