All-weather, PWD-friendly evacuation center to rise in Capiz: DPWH

MANILA — An all-weather and persons with disability (PWD)-friendly regional evacuation center will soon rise in Western Visayas, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.

DPWH Region 6 Director Wenceslao M. Leaño Jr. said the construction of the two-storey facility in the highland barangay of Milibili in Roxas City, Capiz, is being fast tracked to immediately cater to the public when the need arises.

“We are constructing the evacuation center on a stable foundation that even strong wind and rain cannot easily destroy the building. It is also being built on a slope which makes it flood-proof,” he said in a statement.

Leaño said that the building would have standard ramps, PWDs comfort rooms and wheelchair access ways for PWD evacuees.

The Region 6 evacuation center also has a prayer room, communication area, and a storage room convertible to play area in compliance to the Republic Act 10821, also known as “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act.”

Likewise, it will have separate male and female toilets and bathroom, generator room, pump room, laundry and drying area, as well as a materials recovery facility.

The DPWH official added that the center would have infirmary building that would serve as hospital which has a pharmacy for the sick or injured evacuees.

The Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) will also be housed in the building.