A MULTI-PURPOSE evacuation center aimed to withstand various calamities is set to rise in Candaba, Pampanga.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) partnered with the local government of Candaba to construct the two-story full-scale facility in Barangay Pasig.

Pagcor provided the P50-million fund for its construction, while the local government donated a portion of the lot inside the government center.

Pagcor Assistant Vice President for Community Relations and Services Ramon Stephen Villaflor said the project is part of the long-term response to climate change, which causes prolonged flooding, especially in low-lying areas like Candaba.

"Our aim is to provide a comfortable and safe temporary shelter for victims of calamities. The facility is complete with kitchen, laundry area, comfort rooms and individual rooms to ensure the comfort of evacuees," he said.

When not used as evacuation center, Villaflor said the building can be used for other purpose such as classrooms, events and training center, among other.

Mayor Rene Maglanque, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to Pagcor for choosing Candaba as one of their beneficiaries.

He said an evacuation center is a necessity for their municipality as it is considered a catch basin of waters coming from Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.

"During typhoon season, we use the classrooms as evacuation centers and there are times when we have to send home the evacuees earlier than usual because the rooms are already needed for class again," he said.

Maglanque said the construction of the facility will immediately commence and its completion is expected within eight months.