After completing three (3) new evacuation centers, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now fast tracking the completion of four (4) additional centers in Zamboanga Peninsula to accommodate more residents in times of calamities and disasters.
DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar commended DPWH Region 9 Director Cayamombao Dia for turning over three (3) newly-completed centers amounting to P102-million in the Municipality of Labason and Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte; and in the Municipality of Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Villar also ordered the accelerated implementation of additional four (4) evacuation centers in the Municipality of Cabatangan in Zamboanga City; Municipalities of Labangan and Dinas in Zamboanga del Sur; and in the Municipality of Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte to ensure that the affected people have a safe and livable evacuation center in case of calamity or other emergencies.
Built to be gender sensitive and persons with disability (PWD) friendly, the evacuation centers are provisioned with wheelchair ramps, railings, separate toilets for male and female, an infirmary, laundry and drying room, and an accommodation area.
“By providing strong and well-equipped evacuation centers, there will be no or less disruption for students since schools are no longer used as temporary shelter,” said Secretary Villar.
It can be recalled that in 2013, more than 100,000 people stayed at Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex during the Zamboanga Siege because of lack of evacuation center in the area.