House OKs bill on designated evacuation center in every city, municipality

Residents displaced by Taal Volcano’s eruption last year seek shelter at the National Shrine of Padre Pio in the City of Sto. Tomas. (GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / INQUIRER file photo)

MANILA, Philippines —The House of Representatives have approved on third and final reading a bill seeking for the establishment of evacuation centers in every city and municipality nationwide. 

With 195 affirmative votes, the lower chamber approved House Bill No. 8990 on final reading during Thursday’s session. 

It was last March 16 when the bill was passed on second reading through voice voting. 

Under the proposed measure, evacuation centers have to be constructed in all cities and municipalities to serve as immediate and temporary shelter for people who have been evacuated or displaced  due to emergencies such as typhoons, flood and fire, among others.

Existing structures that would meet the minimum requirements or could be upgraded to serve as evacuation centers can also be designated as such.

House of Representatives (file photo)

The measure also states that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall be in charge of the construction of the evacuation centers while cities and municipalities are responsible for the operation, supervision, management, and maintenance of the structures.

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