Nine Reg’l Evacuation Centers Rise this 2019

DPWH 6 builds RECs amid climate change and disaster risks NINE REG’L EVACUATION CENTERS RISE THIS 2019

▲ REC in Brgy. Poblacion, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

By MELVIN S. SEDICOL and ANNA PHILIPPA G. NAVA

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, with an average of 6-9 typhoons entering the country yearly. However, recently, the amount of climate change related disasters hitting the country have increased.

According to the latest Global Peace Index (GPI), the Philippines topped the list of countries facing the highest risk of climate change hazards. Meanwhile, data from the Index for Risk Management cites that the Philippines ranked the highest in terms of risk of multiple climate change hazards such as floods, cyclones, and droughts.

With the alarming number of risks the Philippines’ is susceptible to, it is important to implement disaster risk reduction programs and climate change adaptation initiatives. The more the country is not prepared, the more damages to the communities and to the livelihood of the people will be incurred.

In 2019, DPWH Region VI completed a total of nine evacuation centers in the provinces of Antique, Akan, Iloilo and Negros Occidental, with the three latest completed centers located in Roxas City in Capiz, San Miguel in Iloilo and Nueva Valencia in Guimas. Two more are nearing completion, one in Bacolod City and another in Sagay City in Negros Occidental. The centers, each with P36-million budget allocation, have eight buildings, namely: Accommodation building, Office and infirmary building, Laundry/drying area, Male toilet and bath, Female toilet and bath, Pump room, Generator room, and Materials recovery facility. Also, part of the project is the provision of cistern tank and drainage system.

These new centers are designed for the safety, comfort and ease of the evacuees, both physically-challenged or not. Also, this can be a multi-purpose venue for various activities like meetings, seminars and other socio-cultural activities.

The construction of these evacuation centers is part of the department’s climate

▼ REC in Roxas City, Capiz

change adaptation and disaster risk reduction program in order to develop livable, sustainable, resilient, and prepared communities. These centers aim to improve the resiliency and preparedness of communities heavily at risk of climate change related hazards.

The areas where these regional evacuation centers are located, are usually the most heavily affected by typhoons. The residents used to having schools as temporary settlements that during the inauguration ceremonies, the residents expressed how deeply grateful they were for the change, saying that they were happy they would no longer need to use schools as makeshift evacuation centers. The centers look modernized and have complete facilities, making the centers the proper establishments to care for victims in case of disasters.

▼ REC in Brgy. Igtambo, San Miguel, Iloilo