The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has demonstrated its commitment to the safety of Philippine citizens by opening a new multi-purpose evacuation center. The new establishment will shelter people in times of disaster and provide them with all the necessities they might need.
PAGCOR’s New Facility Is Well-Equipped
PAGCOR officially opened the new evacuation center on July 22. The building is located in the Laguna province and can shelter a significant number of people. The new center has two stories and is equipped with its own kitchen, toilets and bathrooms. In addition, the facility has dedicated areas for nursing mothers and large storage spaces.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office will be responsible for maintaining and operating the center. The building cost $900,000 and is a part of PAGCOR’s $63 million project to build 76 such centers across the country. The body has already advanced these plans and has opened several multi-purpose evacuation centers in several towns and provinces.
Loreto Amante, rep of Laguna’s 3rd District and former San Pablo City mayor, took part in the opening ceremony. Sharing his thoughts on the new evacuation center, Amante said that he believes it will greatly boost the government’s efforts of ensuring their citizens’ safety.
This structure from PAGCOR will reinforce our efforts to keep our constituents safe from the dangers brought by various calamities. Our people now have a perfect place to stay when certain situations necessitate them to evacuation their homes. This will also serve not only the people of the barangay where it is located but also those from nearby communities.
Loreto Amante, representative, Laguna 3rd District
The Center Will Also Have Other Purposes
Meanwhile, Rolly Asaula, administrative officer at the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said that the new center will allow the organization to hold office in a room at the building’s ground floor. Asaula praised the PAGCOR for this gift and said that the DRRMC will now be able to better tackle disasters and calamities.
As the name suggests, the multi-purpose center will also have other uses. During peaceful times, the venue will allow the San Pablo government to host various events. To that end, the spacious building will let the organizers to accommodate many participants.
PAGCOR plans building several other centers in the province of Laguna.
PAGCOR is the Philippine gaming authority. The government-controlled body recently introduced new rules on junket operators that came with requirements for enhanced due diligence.