LA PAZ, Tarlac (March 4, 2023) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Tarlac local government officials jointly inaugurated a new multi-purpose evacuation facility aimed at serving the residents of the northern part of La Paz last Wednesday.
The event was witnessed by Tarlac Governor Susan Yap, Tarlac 3rd District Representative Noel Rivera, DPWH District Engineer Edward Ricardo G. Ramos, and La Paz Municipal Mayor Venustiano Jordan, who led the turnover rites.
“For every calamity, it is the poor who suffer. We need to build dedicated evacuation centers with basic facilities and adequate emergency supplies and avoid using ill-equipped covered courts or schools,” Rep. Rivera said.
The P38.4-million permanent evacuation center in Barangay Caramutan here, has various amenities, including family rooms, nursing areas, bathrooms, and shower rooms with round-the-clock running water. The primary function of this center is to shelter the residents of northern La Paz in case of disasters or calamities.
“Ito ay malaking tulong para sa mga kababayan namin na nakatira sa norte bahagi ng La Paz sakaling may kalamidad gaya ng pagbaha na madalas nararanasan dito sa amin bayan tuwing panahon ng tag ulan,” Jordan said.
According to Ramos, the center was built in a location accessible to the residents and has the capacity to accommodate a significant number of evacuees. He also mentioned that the facility can serve as a multipurpose covered court, hosting sporting events, barangay activities, and delivering basic social services.
Funded under the 2022 General Appropriations Act, this calamity-resilient center is vital to the region’s disaster preparedness infrastructure.
