Aurora and Tarlac receive P100M for the construction of evacuation centers
towns in the provinces of Aurora and Tarlac received a total of P100 million grant from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) for the construction of two Multi-Purpose Evacuation Centers (MPECs), which locals can use in times of calamities and disasters.
Dingalan, Aurora and La Paz, Tarlac received the first tranche of funding for the evacuation center project, which cost P50 million each. Pagcor initially granted P25 million to each LGU to jumpstart construction — amid the pandemic.
Pagcor officially turned over the initial funding during the MPEC project’s groundbreaking ceremonies in Barangay Ibona, Dingalan, Aurora on April 8 and in Barangay Rizal, La Paz, Tarlac on April 9.
Dingalan Mayor Shierwin Taay expressed his gratitude to Pagcor for proceeding with the project despite the pandemic. “We felt relieved when we were told that we can now go on with construction. This project will truly benefit our fellow Dingaleños especially our seven coastal barangays,” he said.
Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council Chairman Asrelita Del Rosario furthered that the MPEC will serve the farming communities not just during calamities but also during important meetings, which are often held in cramped venues or under the trees.
Meanwhile, La Paz Mayor Venustiano Jordan and fellow officials were likewise elated that Pagcor chose them as beneficiary of the MPEC project.
Pagcor Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility Jimmy Bondoc, in his speech during the groundbreaking activity in Tarlac said that Pagcor has been playing an important role in President Rodrigo Duterte’s aim to provide necessary services to the people despite the pandemic, which include the construction of much-needed multi-purpose evacuation centers to the different parts of the country.