PAGCOR opens first Laguna evacuation site
The multi-purpose evacuation center aims to ensure the safety of evacuees
SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna — Disaster preparedness shifted to a higher gear in this city of over 300,000 residents after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) inaugurated on 22 July its first multi-purpose evacuation center (MPEC) in the province of Laguna.
The P50-million, two-story structure built in Barangay San Gregorio boasts of state-ofthe-art amenities like kitchen and storage areas, toilet and shower rooms for male and female, and lactating rooms for nursing mothers. The facility will be maintained by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Former San Pablo City mayor-turned Laguna Third District representative Loreto Amante joined key PAGCOR officers in the inauguration ceremony. Amante said the MPEC will help boost the local government’s effort of ensuring the safety of their constituents during calamities and other emergency situations.
“This structure from PAGCOR will reinforce our efforts to keep our constituents safe from the dangers brought by various calamities. Our people now have a perfect place to stay when certain situations necessitate them to evacuate their homes. This will serve not only the people of the barangay where it is located but also those from nearby communities,” he said.
Amante added that the facility will serve as the city government's venue for special activities or occasions that require a large space to comfortably accommodate guests and participants.
CDRRMO Administrative Officer Rolly Asaula said it will enable them to work comfortably since they are able to hold office in one of the MPEC's rooms at the ground floor.
“Before, when there is a calamity, we meet with the different barangay leaders and officials of the city in a small office. Now, we can better serve the people with a spacious building from Pagcor,” Asaula said.
Apart from San Pablo City, other sites in Laguna that received funding from PAGCOR for the construction of MPEC were Cabuyao City and the towns of Calauan, Victoria and Luisiana. The construction of emergency facilities in these areas are ongoing.
This will serve not only the people of the barangay where it is located but also those from nearby communities.
PAGCOR has allotted a total of P3.5 billion for the construction of MPEC in 76 sites nationwide. Aside from San Pablo City, other locations that completed the construction of evacuation facilities include the provinces of Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Albay, Capiz and the towns of Sagñay, San Jose, Tigaon and Ocampo in Camarines Sur.