THE Iloilo City Government signed Tuesday, October 1, the Usufruct Agreement with Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Western Visayas for the use of site of the Regional Evacuation Center (REC) and warehouse in Barangay Tacas in Jaro district.

Mayor Jerry Treñas and OCD Regional Director Jose Roberto R. Nuñez, along with Councilor Leila G. Luntao and Ma. Aletha Nogra, head of OCD-Western Visayas Disaster Risk Reduction Management Division, signed the papers at City Hall Penthouse.

"We want to make the city and the whole region more resilient. We are happy of the partnership with OCD and we look forward to continue working together to be prepared for disasters," Treñas said.

The OCD will be allowed to use portions of 5,000 square meters property for a 25-year period.

Nuñez said they target to start early next year the construction of P33-million REC warehouse.

The REC can accommodate some 100 families affected and displaced during disaster.

The warehouse will store non-food items and can be used by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office during relief operations.

Nuñez noted that RECs were already established in Metro Iloilo towns of Zarraga and San Miguel.

The REC will do away with the use of school buildings as temporary shelters during calamities which displaces children and disrupts their schooling. (PR)