Permanent evacuation centers in QC pushed

Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas is pushing for the swift establishment of permanent evacuation centers in all six legislative districts of the city, saying dedicated shelters are needed to ensure the safety and dignity of residents during disasters.

Vargas co-authored Proposed Ordinance No. 23CC-229, or the Quezon City Permanent Evacuation Center (PEC) Ordinance, with Councilor Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla.

The proposed measure calls for the construction of climate-resilient shelters in all six legislative districts that can withstand strong tropical cyclones and earthquakes.

Each facility would have family sleeping quarters, separate restrooms for men, women, and LGBTQ+ residents, community kitchens, laundry hubs, and lactation spaces.

The evacuation centers would also include healthcare and accessibility features such as on-site medical clinics, ramps, Braille signage, and specialized fixtures for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

The proposed ordinance also calls for the identification and selection of PEC sites in partnership with the University of the Philippines Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (UP-NOAH) Center. This is intended to ensure that the structures are located outside high-risk hazard zones and near key healthcare facilities.

Vargas also commended Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte for the city's flood-control initiatives, particularly the operational detention basins at the Quezon Memorial Circle and G. Araneta, as well as covered courts serving as detention facilities in Barangay Tatalon and Palmera Homes in Barangay Sta. Monica.

Three additional retention projects are underway in Barangays Bahay Toro, Sauyo, and Greater Lagro, which are expected to further reduce urban flooding.

“We have come a long way in ensuring the safety and welfare of QCitizens during disasters. However, the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, showed that we need long-term solutions to make Quezon City truly disaster-resilient,” Vargas said.

“Until we reach that point, we must address the immediate, life-saving needs of QCitizens whenever disaster strikes,” he added. —VBL, GMA News