Following last week's heavy rain and floods, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is considering setting up several centralized evacuation centers in the National Capital Region in the event of future calamities.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said such centers could be managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, allowing local government units to concentrate on other operations like rescue.

"Dumating tayo sa puntong kailangan natin ng centralized evacuation center, sa ganoon ma-free up ang nakataling local government unit," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He said possible centralized evacuation centers include the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the University of Life Track and Recreational Arena (ULTRA) in Pasig City.

Tolentino said this setup would also free public schools, which are currently housing thousands of displaced residents and impeding the resumption of classes.

Tolentino said he may bring up the matter in a meeting with Metro Manila mayors this week.

Government center relocation?

Tolentino also floated the idea of moving key government facilities and financial institutions such as the stock exchange to areas that are less prone to floods and quakes.

"It's about time we relocate a part of the NCR, a portion of the government center, to a better location," Tolentino said.

The MMDA chief said the matter has been debated since at least the 1960s, and that the issue should be revisited.

"It's about time we opened the debate. We have identified sites like Rizal and Bulacan kung saan pwede ilipat," he said.

Tolentino said other countries like Brazil, Pakistan and Malaysia had already transferred their government centers.

"Ilipat ang Metro Manila sa lugar na walang baha, lindol, polusyon o trapik, para walang disruption sa government services o business transactions," he said.

Tolentino noted that parts of Metro Manila are below sea level and along the fault line, and that only 18 percent is open space, resulting in congestion that can keep floodwaters from flowing and draining quickly. - BM, GMA News