Two multi-purpose buildings (MPBs) in San Jorge, Samar are nearing completion as of writing, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways – Samar First District Engineering Office.
One of the buildings is located in barangay Aurora, amounting to 2 million pesos. The other MPB intended for Blanca Aurora Elementary School, amounts to 5 million pesos. Both projects are expected to be completed within the month.
In normal circumstances, these buildings serve as a venue for recreational, economic, social and medical mission activities. In times of calamity, they serve as a temporary evacuation center.
Traditionally, schools are used as evacuation centers. However, this practice disrupts the education of school children and places evacuees in dire conditions due to congestion.
This practice can be minimized, if not fully eradicated, with the construction of structurally sound buildings that can be used as temporary shelter in times of disaster as well as venue for local community events.
Given that typhoons are becoming a normal fixture in the lives of Filipinos, the provision of calamity-resilient MPBs addresses vulnerabilities to disaster and strengthens the resilience of local communities.