ILOILO CITY — A multi-purpose building that will serve as a health and evacuation center was inaugurated in Barangay Dungon A in Jaro district, this city Thursday.
The ground and second floors of the PHP3 million two-story building would be utilized as a health center while the rooftop would serve as an evacuation center, said Dungon A Punong Barangay Genoviva Capulong.
She said the health center is expected to benefit their indigent residents.
Also, the evacuation center is necessary because the barangay is prone to flooding.
She said that when typhoon Frank hit Iloilo City in 2008, the water rose to about 7.2 feet at the gymnasium area. Also 317 houses went underwater and the rescue operation lasted for three days.
In fact, Dungon A was among the pilot barangays of this city whose barangay captains were chosen to attend training on disaster management in Japan for 12 days in 2012. She said that what she learned, she cascaded to her constituents.
Capulong added that they intend to open the center to other neighboring barangays once it is complete with facilities.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, the guest of honor during the inauguration, hoped that a similar project will be extended to other areas in the future.
The fund was facilitated by her office in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Hontiveros said that it is necessary that health centers are equipped and with health personnel.
She said that she continues to push for the Barangay Health Workers Bill in the Senate so that once it becomes a law they would have additional allowance and benefits, among others.
She also hoped that government services will be brought closer to the people. (Perla Lena/PNA)
