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| DPWH-8 and local officials inaugurate Php 34.7M evacuation center in Mahaplag, Leyte, to strengthen disaster response and resilience. Photo: DPWH-8/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY – A new evacuation center, worth Php 34.7 million, was officially opened to the public in Mahaplag, Leyte, through a ribbon-cutting ceremony jointly conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VIII and key officials.
This project was undertaken to enhance disaster response, climate change adaptation, and mitigation, as emphasized by DPWH 8 Regional Director Edgar B. Tabacon.
Director Tabacon, in his speech during the ceremony, highlighted the vulnerability of Eastern Visayas to frequent calamities, stating, "We are located at the dangerous side of the Philippines, especially here in Eastern Visayas. We are often visited by many calamities. And this structure is built for you."
He reassured the Mahaplaganons that the evacuation center was constructed to withstand calamities and provide sufficient protection for 75-100 evacuees, withstanding strong winds up to 340 kph.
The event was graced by the presence of Leyte 5th District Representative Hon. Carl Nicholas Cari, Leyte 5th District Board Member Hon. Michael Cari, Mahaplag Mayor Ronaldo T. Lleve, Mahaplag Vice-Mayor Myra Solis, DPWH Leyte 5th District Engineer Eusebio T. Culas, Chief Labor Employment Officer/Western Leyte Field Office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Mr. Edgar B. Tabuyan, and other local officials.
Spanning an area of 29x30 square meters, the facility includes various amenities such as a kitchen, toilets, breastfeeding rooms, a clinic, a prayer room, an office, and more.
Congressman Cari commended the efforts of DPWH 8 in successfully implementing the project for the benefit of the residents of Brgy. Poblacion, Mahaplag, Leyte. He expressed his hope that the local residents and officials would ensure proper maintenance of the evacuation center, which could also serve as a venue for sports and recreational activities on regular days.
The inauguration ceremony coincided with the TUPAD PAYOUT program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), benefitting over 847 individuals, further highlighting the collaborative efforts to address the needs of the community in Mahaplag, Leyte. —iTacloban