• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A resolution requesting Senator Risa Hontiveros to extend assistance for the construction of an evacuation center/multi-purpose building to serve as an evacuation site and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (BDRRMO) center in Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Tuesday.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, the resolution said Barangay Singcang-Airport is one of the largest and densely populated barangays in Bacolod City, and is frequently affected by heavy rainfall, flooding, and other calamities requiring prompt evacuation of vulnerable residents.
The barangay has no dedicated and structurally compliant evacuation center/multi-purpose building that can safely accommodate evacuees, during disasters, forcing families to seek temporary shelters in schools and barangay halls which are not designed for long-term humanitarian use, it said.
The absence of a permanent evacuation center hampers the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BDRRMO) from effectively carrying out its mandated functions, including pre-disaster planning, emergency response, and relief operations, the resolution said.
The construction of a barangay evacuation center/multi-purpose building will significantly enhance community resilience, provide a safe and accessible evacuation site, and serve as the operational base for the BDRRMO, it said.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, known for her strong advocacy for public welfare, health, gender-responsive governance and community resilience, has consistently supported local development initiatives, including infrastructure projects aimed at improving the safety and well-being of Filipino families, the resolution said.*
