Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya—The Department of Public Works and Highways has completed the construction of the P25-million Provincial Evacuation Center within the provincial capitol here.
Robert Corpuz, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management officer, said the project, constructed on a 3,000-square-meter vacant lot at the back of the People’s Hall building, was already inspected and evaluated by DPWH personnel.
“They already declared the project as completed and we will wait for the formal turn-over,” he said.
Governor Carlos Padilla, in a recent meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, said the provincial government is set to inspect the national government-funded project.
“We will not certify it if we are not yet done with its review and inspection based on its program of works,” he said.
Padilla also said there is also a need to come up with a Memorandum of Agreement with the Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative (Nuvelco) regarding its power requirements.
The eight-room, two-story building will offer a ground floor, two toilets, 67-bed capacity infirmary, pharmacy, laundry, water tank, drying area, cooking area, storage area, assembly and parking area.
It also houses the offices of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the Office of Civil Defense, among others.
The provincial government earlier proposed the PEC to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to address the need for an evacuation center in the province and in support of the nationwide disaster risk reduction management program.
Padilla added the PEC will be a big help in disaster risk reduction efforts of the provincial government, considering the huge effect of strong typhoons on the province.