The construction of a PHP32-million evacuation center in Barangay San Isidro, Minalin town, this province has been completed, the provincial government of Pampanga reported on Tuesday.

Governor Dennis Pineda said the construction of the evacuation center is in line with the government’s efforts to safeguard the Kapampangans from calamities through disaster preparedness and mitigation measures.

The construction of the facility on a 2,000-square meter lot donated by the local government unit of Minalin was funded by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

“Sa pagtutulungan na iyan ay may ligtas na pupuntahan ang mga taga-Minalin pag may kalamidad o sakuna (Through that cooperation, there is a safer place for the people of Minalin in times of calamity or disaster),” the governor said in an interview.

The facility, which is said to be the best evacuation center in the province, features canteen stalls, a kitchen, medical room, and children’s room.

Minalin Mayor Edgardo Flores thanked the national government for the construction of the evacuation center, which he said is vital for the residents in times of calamities.

“Maraming natutuwa kasi parang state-of-the art. Kami ay nagpapasalamt sa ating gobyerno at kay Gobernador Pineda sa pagtulong nila (Many people are happy because it is state-of-the art. We are thankful to our government and to Governor Pineda for helping us,” Flores said.

Aside from the newly-built evacuation center in Minalin, there are three other permanent evacuation centers in the province — one in Magalang and two others in Mexico town.

Through the support of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), three other multi-purpose evacuation centers are being constructed in the province as part of the government’s long-term measures to address climate change. (PNA)