MMDA eyes central evacuation centers in Metro Manila LGUs

Following the floods that hit Metro Manila in the wake of Typhoon Labuyo (Utor), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is studying a new setup involving centralized evacuation centers in its local government units (LGUs).

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said this would free schools from having to serve two purposes as evacuation center and as learning facility, radio dzBB reported early on Tuesday.

Public schools have been tapped as evacuation centers in case of contingencies such as flooding brought by cyclones.

In many cases, classes are disrupted in the schools that serve as evacuation centers, Tolentino noted.

Last weekend, Labuyo dumped rain on parts of the country including Metro Manila, before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility Monday night.

Last year, the MMDA chief brought up the idea of setting up centralized evacuation centers in Metro Manila in the event of calamities.

At the time, Tolentino suggested thee centers could be managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

With such a setup, he said local government units could concentrate on other operations like rescue.

Metro Manila covers Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Manila, Makati, Valenzuela, San Juan, Pasig, Muntinlupa, Marikina, Caloocan, Navotas, Taguig, Pasay, Malabon and Quezon Cities and Pateros town. - VVP, GMA News