Pagcor puts up P50 million evacuation center

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has constructed a P50-million evacuation facility in Laguna as the government ramps up its disaster preparedness measures.

Pagcor recently inaugurated its first multipurpose evacuation center (MPEC) in the province, expected to benefit over 300,000 residents.

The latest facility is part of the P3.5-billion allocation for the construction of MPECs in 76 locations in the country.

Pagcor has so far constructed MPECs in Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Albay, Capiz, and Camarines Sur.

Located in San Pablo City, the two-story structure includes amenities such as kitchen and storage areas, toilet and shower rooms, and lactating rooms for nursing mothers.

The newly built MPEC is seen boosting the local government’s effort in ensuring the safety of residents during calamities and other emergency situations.

It will also be used as an events space for government undertakings. The facility will be maintained by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Apart from San Pablo City, other sites in Laguna that received funding from Pagcor for the construction of MPECs include Cabuyao City and the towns of Calauan, Victoria and Luisiana.

Construction of emergency facilities in these areas are ongoing.