THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 turned over a P36-million evacuation center to the Cebu Provincial Government on Thursday, Feb. 28.
DPWH 7 maintenance division chief Faustino dela Cruz said the Cebu Regional Evacuation Center (Crec) can accommodate 50 families or 150-200 individuals.
Gov. Hilario Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale led the turnover ceremony, which happened during the full meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The evacuation center stands on a 3,000-square-meter lot owned by the Provincial Government and Central Command in Sitio Panabang, Barangay Apas, Cebu City.
Dela Cruz said Crec’s design is unique, as it has eight facilities that will cater to the needs of future evacuees.
Crec has an infirmary, breastfeeding station, cooking area, dining area, separate comfort rooms for men and women, compartments for generator sets, water storage and a storage facility for relief goods.
Dela Cruz said Crec’s location is safe from landslides, after it was inspected by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau 7.
The official further said Crec was finished last November, with the help of government agencies, including the Office of the Civil Defense.
For his part, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Chief Baltazar Tribunalo said evacuees outside Cebu City can use the Crec.
He said the Cebu City Government will concretize the road leading to the Crec.
In the meantime, PDRRMO information officer Julius Regner said they will use Crec for the training of local disaster risk reduction officers for search and rescue and disaster operations. (From SCG of SuperBalita Cebu, KAL)