Baguio: The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has renewed its call for barangay councils to identify and secure lots that can be developed into evacuation centers as part of Baguio's drive for disaster resilience. "Our office and even the mayor are continuing to encourage our barangays to look for lots for their multipurpose hall, which will double as an evacuation center," Charles Carame, chief of the CDRRMO, said in an interview.

According to Philippines News Agency, part of the resiliency effort of the city is to ensure the existence of model evacuation centers where people can be safe and comfortable if they need to evacuate. Carame cited Outlook Drive barangay as an example, where local officials identified a lot to build a multipurpose hall despite having a small barangay hall. He also mentioned Bakakeng Central and Irisan as model barangays with functioning evacuation facilities.

However, Carame admitted that Baguio's limited land area poses a significant challenge in achieving the goal of having more evacuation centers. "We definitely discourage the use of schools as evacuation sites. The barangays are listening, and many are already avoiding using schools for this purpose," he said. In recent years, barangay halls have served as the primary shelter for families affected by calamities.

According to Carame, many barangays are now renovating their halls to include multipurpose spaces that double as evacuation centers. "We endeavor to have more evacuation centers that are comfortable and will ease the hardships of the displaced families," he added.