P36M evacuation center opens in Pangasinan town

CALASIAO, PANGASINAN – A P36-million regional evacuation center was opened here on Friday, the first for Pangasinan province which has been plagued by floods.

The center is composed of eight buildings that sit on a 3.7-square-meter elevated lot donated by the Calasiao government.

It can accommodate 500 individuals seeking refuge from rising water that inundates this agricultural town during the monsoon season.

Calasiao is a catch basin for runoff water from upland provinces. Most of the villages here, including the business district, were under water in July and August.

The launching ceremony was led by Ricardo Jalad, administrator of the Office of Civil Defense.

Another regional center is being constructed in Alaminos City.

When not in use, the Center could serve other purposes like a place for training and conferences, Jalad said.

Mayor Joseph Bauzon said the center may also host flood victims from neighboring towns.

The Department of Public Works and Highways funded the evacuation center. Yolanda Sotelo