The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has earmarked PHP2 billion for the construction of Multipurpose Evacuation Centers (MPECs) nationwide.

This is the latest development in the agency’s efforts to help uplift the lives of the Filipinos, especially those who are constantly affected by natural calamities.

Pagcor has identified the sites in various parts of the country where these permanent evacuation structures will be built following a series of ocular inspections. These areas were classified as calamity-prone.

The MPECs will be used to accommodate victims of calamities such as super typhoons, floods and volcanic eruptions, as well as for other community endeavors.

Meanwhile, Pagcor recently visited 11 temporary evacuation centers in Bauan, Batangas and some municipalities in Cavite, including Indang, Alfonso, Mendez, Amadeo and Tagaytay during the first phase of its relief operations from January 15 to Jan. 17, 2020.

The agency distributed relief packs to over 4,300 families who were displaced by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

The agency also donated non-food items like mosquito nets, slippers, detergent soaps, hygiene kits and blankets. Some employees also pooled their resources to donate rice, water and used clothes.

Among the thousands of evacuees that Pagcor was able to reach out to was Candida Rodriguez, a 52-year-old native of Laurel, Batangas who was supposed to spend a relaxing weekend with family and friends when Taal Volcano suddenly spewed ash on the afternoon of Jan. 12, 2020.

Rodriguez’s family temporarily stays at an evacuation site in Mendez, Cavite.

Apart from bringing relief to the Taal evacuees, Pagcor has also been providing much-needed assistance to tens of thousands of individuals in an ongoing humanitarian mission for earthquake victims in Mindanao. (PNA)