BATANGAS -- President Duterte inspected the Mataas na Kahoy Evacuation Center, one of three evacuation centers strategically located in the three municipalities within this province outside the danger zone of Taal Volcano, on Monday, April 4, 2022.
The center was constructed through the BALAI (Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable and Inclusive Filipino Communities) Assistance Program of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
It can accommodate at least 110 families or around 440 individuals and can fit approximately 106 modular tents inside.
It was designed based on standards approved by President Duterte and has key amenities and facilities such as an administrative office, storage room, kitchen and mess hall, children’s area, clinic, prayer room, separate female and male comfort rooms, and conjugal rooms, among others.
On March 31, 2022, DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario led the inauguration and turnover of Batangas’ three evacuation centers to their respective local government units (LGUs). During the program, he said that the construction of the said facilities in Batangas is part of government efforts to boost the country’s disaster preparedness.
“The completion of evacuation centers is in compliance to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte. In fact, the design and specifications of these centers were approved by our beloved President to keep our people safe and comfortable while away from home,” Del Rosario said.
The construction of the evacuation center was completed just under a year after the DHSUD finalized memoranda of agreement for a grant to build the facilities in the three Batangas towns impacted by the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020. These facilities are outside of the danger zone.