Manila: Evacuation centers funded by the national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways will soon rise in adjacent cities of Silay and Talisay in Negros Occidental. With a cost of PHP55 million each, the infrastructure projects intend to provide safe, secure, and accessible temporary shelters for residents displaced by natural disasters and other emergencies.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a Facebook post on Sunday, Talisay Mayor Rowena Lizares expressed her gratitude as the city broke ground for the evacuation center, made possible through the vision of Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez. Lizares emphasized, "This is one of the symbols of our strong unity to work for what is best for our people."

Benitez led the groundbreaking with Lizares in Barangay Concepcion and with Mayor Joedith Gallego in Barangay Mambulac, Silay City, in separate ceremonies on Friday. Mayor Gallego stated, "This significant project is expected to strengthen the city's disaster preparedness and provide a safe and secure facility for Silaynons during emergencies and calamities."

Each evacuation center, with a gross floor area of 1,500 square meters, will be equipped with essential facilities such as sleeping and living areas, comfort rooms, water supply, electrical and emergency lighting systems, storage for relief goods, first-aid and medical areas, kitchen or food preparation spaces, and other support facilities necessary for efficient emergency shelter operations.

The project aims to provide the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office with a centralized and properly equipped facility for evacuation management, relief distribution, emergency coordination, and other disaster-response activities.