Permanent evacuation centers eyed in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines — A Quezon City councilor is pushing for the swift establishment of permanent evacuation centers across the city’s districts.

“Malayo na po ang narating natin sa pagsigurado sa kaligtasan at kapakanan ng QCitizens kapag may sakuna. Ngunit, ipinakita ng Habagat na kailangan natin ng long-term solutions para maging ganap na disaster-resilient,” Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas said. 

“Until we reach that point, we must address the immediate, life-saving needs of QCitizens whenever disaster strikes,” he added.

To guarantee dignified emergency care, Vargas co-authored Proposed Ordinance No. 23CC-229, or “the Quezon City Permanent Evacuation Center (PEC) Ordinance,” alongside Councilor Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla. 

The measure mandates the construction of climate-resilient shelters in all six legislative districts engineered to withstand extreme typhoons and earthquakes.

Under the ordinance, each facility must feature family sleeping quarters, separate restrooms for men, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, community kitchens, laundry hubs and lactation spaces. Facilities will also integrate healthcare and inclusive infrastructure, including on-site medical clinics, ramps, Braille signage, and specialized fixtures for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

The initiative reflects a long-standing crusade for Vargas, who previously authored a national bill in the House of Representatives mandating permanent evacuation centers in cities and municipalities nationwide to end the disruptive reliance on public school classrooms and community covered courts.

“Layunin po nating makabalik agad sa pag-aaral ang mga estudyante at magamit agad ang mga pasilidad sa pagseserbisyo matapos ang kalamidad. Kapag may dedikadong evacuation center, hindi na masasakripisyo ang edukasyon ng kabataan at agarang paglilingkod ng barangay,” Vargas said.

To maximize public safety, the identification and site selection for all PECs will be conducted in partnership with the University of the Philippines Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (UP-NOAH) Center, ensuring structures are built outside high-risk hazard zones and near key healthcare facilities.

Parallel to shelter infrastructure, Vargas commended Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte for her proactive vision in constructing critical flood-control measures. These include the city's operational detention basins at the Quezon Memorial Circle, G. Araneta, and the covered courts in Barangay Tatalon and Palmera Homes in Barangay Sta. Monica.

He noted that three more retention projects are currently underway in Barangays Bahay Toro, Sauyo and Greater Lagro to further minimize urban flooding.

“Kailangan natin patuloy na suportahan ang mga programa ni Mayor Joy para sa lalong ikabubuti ng mga QCitizens. Dahil sa mga proyektong ito, mas mabilis na ang paghupa ng baha sa lungsod at bumaba ang bilang ng mga kinailangang lumikas,” the councilor said.

However, citing assessments from the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (QCDRRMD), Vargas noted that engineering interventions alone cannot entirely neutralize flooding risks during severe climate events, making dedicated shelters a crucial lifeline.

“Habang patungo po tayo sa layuning maging ganap na disaster-resilient ang Quezon City, mahalagang maipatupad natin ang pagpapatayo ng mga permanent evacuation centers upang may ligtas na takbuhan ang ating mga kababayan na may seguridad at dignidad sa panahon ng sakuna,” Vargas concluded. (Contributed story)