The city government is planning to adopt the newly completed regional evacuation center here as an economic enterprise for its host barangay.

City Mayor Eliordo Ogena said Friday they are studying the possibility of maximizing the use of the PHP36-million facility situated in Barangay San Jose to generate additional income for the village and its constituents.

Part of the revenue may be used later for the maintenance and further development of the evacuation center, which he described as “the best of its kind”.

The mayor said the facility, which was formally turned over to the local government on Thursday by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen), may be used for other purposes aside from hosting evacuees.

He said it would be practical for the city to explore other possible uses since the area has not experienced major evacuations for many years.

“We’re looking at forging a MOA (memorandum of agreement) with OCD because we want to preserve it and empower the host barangay by making it another source of income for them,” he said in the city government’s radio program “Tingog sang Pagsanyog”.

The evacuation center project, which was funded through a national government grant and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways, was completed seven months after it broke ground.

The facility has a well-lit and sufficiently ventilated accommodation building, reception area, stage area, administration office with consultation room, clinic, playroom with a breastfeeding area, mess hall with kitchen, conjugal room, storage room, prayer room, and toilet and bath facilities for men, women and differently-abled persons.

The mayor said the main multipurpose hall has a basketball court and it could also host various events like weddings.

Its immediate surroundings can be used for outdoor activities like walking and jogging, he said.

“The barangay can charge a certain amount from hosting events. We have to maintain its cleanliness and do some landscaping in the process,” Ogena said.

He designated the city legal office to study the proposed agreement and submit it later on to the city council for approval. (PNA)