Manila: The Marcos administration is targeting the establishment of about 210 evacuation centers nationwide as schools continue to be used as temporary shelters for families displaced by disasters, Malaca±ang said Thursday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that around 299 schools were being used as evacuation centers across various regions, including Ilocos, Central Luzon, National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Mimaropa, and Central Visayas.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro mentioned that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) plans to construct 16 evacuation centers this year and an additional 32 by 2027. This initiative aligns with Republic Act 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Act, which aims to bolster disaster resilience by setting up safe and fully equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality. "So far, that is the proposal from the DPWH, with a target of having 210 evacuation centers," Castro stated.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that 19 people have died due to tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay and the southwest monsoon, affecting over 2.2 million people.

In addition to evacuation centers, Castro highlighted ongoing government programs addressing flooding caused by garbage clogging rivers and waterways. She emphasized the importance of public cooperation in these efforts, noting that the success of the President's programs hinges on citizens' active participation. Castro reminded those involved in cleanup operations, including Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program beneficiaries, to diligently perform their tasks.

Castro addressed reports of some TUPAD workers engaging in cleanup activities only for photo documentation. She noted instances of workers posing for pictures as if cleaning up garbage but not completing the task. "Sometimes, they would even pile up garbage just to make it appear that there was waste in the area. They would sweep it and then just leave the garbage there," Castro added.