DAVAO City's first evacuation center is nearing completion and is expected to be open this year.

The P26-million evacuation center is being constructed in Barangay Los Amigos in Tugbok District.

Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Alfredo Baluran on Thursday, June 13, said the center is already 90-percent complete.

It will serve as a temporary shelter for people who are forced to leave their homes in times of disasters such as flooding and fire.

He said the evacuation center will also be managed by the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO).

Baluran said the evacuation center is equipped with facilities such as comfort rooms, kitchen, and a couple's room. It can accommodate more than 100 families.

"The evacuation center is not only for the people of the third district, but it will also cater those from the first and second districts during floods or landslides, or any other form of calamity," Baluran said during the iSpeak media forum at the City Hall of Davao.

Meanwhile, he said the city was still scouting for areas on which to build more evacuation centers.

Baluran said the city government aims to build at least one evacuation center and stock room per district.

"We are still scouting for areas (in District 2). Although we have already identified some areas, but of course, we have to check the land title of the areas," he said.

He said Barangay Mahayag is being eyed as the possible site for the evacuation center in the district.

Some non-government organizations have been requesting the local government for a more "humane space" since gymnasiums and schools are not conducive.

Nagkahiusang Kabataan Aron Katungod Matagamtam (Nakamata) president Reign Astrid Liporada, in a previous report, said some evacuation centers are not safe especially for children.

“Ang nakita nako na problema sa evacuation center kay ang sanitation. Ang CR walay tarong nga supply sa tubig (A problem we saw in the evacuation center is the lack of sanitation. For example, there is no proper water supply in the CR)," she said. (With reports from CIO)