34M pesos worth of regional evacuation center turned over to LGU Koronadal
A regional evacuation center worth 34 million pesos was recently turned over to the supervision of the Local Government Unit (LGU) Koronadal. This activity was led by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region XII headed by Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Operations Roy Dorado in collaboration with other regional partner agencies that include the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWDO), Department of Health (DOH), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The evacuation center is situated at Barangay San Jose with a total measurable space of 1,500sqm that consists of 14 amenities including a basketball court, administration office, play, laundry and drying, training and reception areas, storage, toilet and bath, clinic, kitchen, mess hall, conjugal, breastfeeding and prayer rooms. It was completed in just seven months after the groundbreaking ceremony which was three (3) months ahead of its 10-month construction target.
Dorado, on the other hand, said that the city is fortunate because not all LGUs have been able to have the evacuation center built though its construction continues with 14 completed while there are still ongoing constructions and some are scheduled to be built. He further said that the people of Koronadal should not worry about the possible evacuation of other dwellers in the city because the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) aim to build evacuation centers in all LGUs especially in those calamity prone areas. This was his response to the skepticisms of a few individuals that the city would become a dumping ground for displaced people and would be a covid-19 facility.
“As of now, nine (9) isolation units’ ang gina-construct sa whole region kag didto ibutang ang mga COVID-19 patients and not in evacuation center”, Dorado explained further to fully convince those who are hesitant about it. He also said that the design of the isolation unit differs from the evacuation center wherein it suit the needs of COVID-19 patients and thus they are properly cared for.
Meanwhile, DSWD RD Restituto Macuto expressed his joy that the project he considered as the largest evacuation center in the region became possible to protect and promote the welfare of the people, a place where affected families and individuals will find a home for recovery. He assured too that he is ready to share his knowledge and expertise in the field of disaster management having been assigned to administer a nationwide disaster event prior his assignment in Region XII.
Moreover, City Mayor Eliordo Ogena explained that he chose Barangay San Jose being the project site due to its larger area and its strategic location for other barangays. He also considers it as the best evacuation center he has seen so far. The mayor further stated that it will also serve as a multipurpose building and it can be used for other activities while there is no calamity. Meanwhile, to maintain the beauty and orderliness of the building, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be drafted to clarify the role of the city and the barangay in taking care of it.
In addition, Brgy. Captain Danilo Simtim together with his council, staff, and residence extended their appreciation of the project built in their barangay. He believed that more than anybody, his people would benefit more from it and hope that it will pave a way for tourism in their barangay. He also guaranteed that the evacuation center will serve its purpose.