A TWO-STORY multi-purpose evacuation center will soon rise in Arayat town in Pampanga.
This came after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and the local government of Arayat broke ground Tuesday, January 18, 2022, for the brand new facility that will be constructed near the Municipal Hall compound in Barangay Plazang Luma.
Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino said Pagcor provided the P50-million fund for the construction of the infrastructure, while the local government allocated P6 million as its counterpart.
The donation is part of Pagcor's program on long-term response to climate change, which causes prolonged flooding, especially in disaster-prone areas.
Alejandrino expressed gratitude to Pagcor for choosing Arayat as one of its beneficiaries in its disaster-mitigation program.
"Pagcor is not only providing an infrastructure but a safe space for our residents during times of calamities, especially that we are at the foot of Mt. Arayat," he said.
When not used as evacuation center, Alejandrino said the building will be used for other purposes, such as classrooms, events and training center, among others.
He added that this is the second multi-purpose evacuation center in town after the local government funded one located behind the municipal hall. (With Ian Ocampo Flora)