DPWH oversees mayon evacuation camps in Daraga, Albay

In a statement, DPWH Region 5 Director Danilo Versola said the immediate construction of restrooms aimed to address the need for hygiene and sanitation facilities in evacuation camps. (PNA PHOTO)

MANILA— The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is constructing over 300 temporary toilets with bathing areas in 56 evacuation centers for the Mayon volcano evacuees.

In a statement, DPWH Region 5 Director Danilo Versola said the immediate construction of restrooms aimed to address the need for hygiene and sanitation facilities in evacuation camps.

The department is also monitoring camps in Daraga, Albay, particularly nine public schools and relocation centers.

During a recent Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting, it was also agreed that each national government agency would manage evacuation camps in city/municipalities affected by Mayon’s restiveness with the first class Municipality of Daraga and home to the picturesque Cagsawa Ruins assigned to DPWH.

On the other hand, DPWH Assistant Secretary Eugenio Pipo, Jr. lauded the men and women of DPWH Regional Office 5, for attending to the needs of internally displaced persons who were forced to flee or leave their homes as a result of the volcanic eruption.

He directed Versola to set-up a 24/7 DPWH Assistance Desk in evacuation camps and address the complaints or refer these to the concerned government agency or local government units.

The DPWH official has convened a meeting with all the District Engineers of Bicol Region for a more organized and effective management of evacuation camps in Daraga.

It was reported that some 80,000 people have been evacuated due to the volcanic activities of Mt.

Mayon which started three weeks ago.