By MAYOR FRANCIS ZAMORA

When Typhoon Carina hit San Juan, our San Juan Gym was activated as the main evacuation center. It became more than just a shelter—it was a lifeline. 
As mayor of the City of San Juan since 2019, I have witnessed how a well-run evacuation center can make all the difference between chaos and calm, between survival and recovery. It is our job in Makabagong San Juan to ensure these spaces are more than just temporary shelters. They must provide care, security, and dignity.

In the City of San Juan, we have made it a priority to set up evacuation centers in gymnasiums, public schools, and barangay halls. These spaces have offered thousands of residents not just a place to sleep but essential services like food, medical care, and financial assistance as well. For many, this is where the process of rebuilding begins, where families find hope again after the trauma of disaster.

Running an evacuation center, however, is no simple task. It takes meticulous planning, hands-on organization and administration, and constant attention to ensure that evacuees are safe, well-cared for, and treated with the dignity they deserve. It is not about providing just the basics,it is about restoring a sense of normalcy in their lives which have been disrupted. Evacuees need to feel protected—both physically and emotionally. Privacy must be respected, and safety must be paramount.

To uphold the highest standards in our evacuation centers, the city council passed City Ordinance No. 26, Series of 2024 which I approved, making it a local law of the city. This ordinance is not just a list of rules. It is a roadmap for how we care for our people in their greatest time of need. It lays down the guidelines for the operation and maintenance of evacuation centers, ensuring we meet the highest standards in care, support, and protection.

One key component of this ordinance is how we handle donations. We know that in times of crisis, generosity pours in from all corners. To ensure that every donation is put to good use, we have set up a 24/7 mayor’s office help desk in all our evacuation centers, making it easy for donors—whether individuals, corporations, NGOs, or even government institutions or fellow elected officials—to coordinate their contributions. Every item, from food to medicines, is carefully inspected to guarantee safety and usefulness. Whether it is food, water, milk, medicines, clothing, or other goods, every item is checked to confirm it is not spoiled, damaged, expired, or contaminated. This process guarantees that donations have been evaluated safe and beneficial to evacuees. It is also important that each evacuee will get a fair share of what has been donated, thus, an equitable allocation and distribution process must always be executed to avoid certain individuals or families from getting left behind. 

We have also trained city government personnel to oversee daily operations at the evacuation centers, ensuring everything runs efficiently. Police and security personnel are stationed during relief distributions to maintain order, preventing chaos and crowding, and ensuring aid is distributed fairly.
To ensure everyone's safety and privacy, the ordinance sets a curfew in evacuation centers from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with no visitors allowed during this period. Evacuees must stay inside, and if they need to leave, they must inform the CSWDD of their reason and return time.

In San Juan City’s evacuation centers, we are committed to doing things right. Our top priority is to ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable and those who truly need it.

I have been deeply moved by the overwhelming support the City of San Juan has received during times of disaster. From government agencies to private organizations, and even individual citizens, the spirit of bayanihan is very much alive and well.

Managing evacuation centers is not just about temporary shelter—it is about making sure people are treated with dignity and care when they need it most. City Ordinance No. 26 gives us the framework to fulfill this responsibility effectively, ensuring that our residents are cared for during some of the darkest moments of their lives. 

In times of disaster, every minute matters. The sooner we can extend help, the quicker families can recover and rebuild their lives. My office is always ready to respond. By working together and acting fast, we can make sure our communities bounce back stronger at the soonest possible time.