The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office (RO) 8 recently turned over a newly constructed evacuation center worth Php 36.82 million to the local government of Jaro, Leyte, on February 12, 2023. The facility is expected to serve as a temporary shelter for evacuees and a lifesaving shelter during natural calamities and disasters.
The 50-meter by 28.9-meter evacuation center is located in Brgy. Sto. Niño and can accommodate 75-100 families. It is equipped with a kitchen, toilets for both genders, a breastfeeding room, a conjugal room, a clinic, a prayer room, and an office. The facility is also designed to withstand strong winds of up to 340 kph.
Project Engineer Toribio R. Odtuhan emphasized in the turnover ceremony the importance of taking care and maximizing the use of the newly constructed facility, which can also be used for recreational activities such as sports (basketball, volleyball, and other indoor games).
Leyte 2nd Representative Congresswoman Lolita “Karen” Javier, Vice Governor of the Province of Leyte Leonardo Javier Jr., and Municipal Mayor of Jaro, Mayor Jassie Lou Tañala, were among the officials who graced the event. Mayor Tañala expressed gratitude for the commitment of the government and DPWH to the project and its timely completion.
The project is funded under the General Appropriations Act of 2021 and started on June 8, 2021. It was completed on July 4, 2022. DPWH Region 8 has implemented 27 evacuation centers from CY 2016-2022, of which fourteen were completed, and four are ongoing. These ongoing evacuation centers are located in Catubig, Northern Samar, in Hilongos, Hununangan, and Tolosa, Leyte.
This newly constructed evacuation center in Jaro, Leyte, is expected to provide a safe haven for those affected by calamities and disasters. —iTacloban (Source: DPWH-8)