Duterte inspects Batangas evacuation center amid Taal unrest (Sabong News)
Author
Argyll Cyrus Geducos
Date
APRIL 04 2022
As Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, President Duterte inspected on Monday the Mataasnakahoy Evacuation Center, one of three evacuation centers strategically located in three municipalities within Batangas outside the danger zone of the active volcano.
In his speech after the inspection, Duterte expressed confidence that the evacuation center would be of great help to the people of Batangas as the Taal Volcano remains restive.
“Now that we are experiencing challenges brought by the recent eruptions of Taal Volcano, I am confident that the evacuation center in Mataasnakahoy will be of great service to our affected kababayans (fellow Filipinos),” he said Monday, April 4.
“I commend the people who have worked hard to complete this center with a strong sense of urgency. This would not have been possible without your passion and dedication,” he added.
In his speech, Duterte recalled directing the construction of evacuation centers in the affected local government units like Lipa City, Tanauan, and municipalities of Malvar, Talisay, and Laurel following the eruption of the Taal Volcano in January 2020.
“After two years, we are finally here, marking the completion of this facility that can house 150 families or 600 individuals during calamities,” he said.
Constructed through the BALAI (Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable, and Inclusive Filipino Communities) Assistance Program of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the evacuation center was designed based on standards approved by President Duterte.
The evacuation center has key amenities and facilities such as an administrative office, storage room, kitchen and mess hall, children’s area, clinic, prayer room, separate female and male comfort rooms, and conjugal rooms, among others.
Meanwhile, President Duterte noted that the government had opened a lot of establishments and inaugurated structures “that will certainly endure the test of time” in the past months.
He added that the government has likewise institutionalized long-term solutions for Filipinos “without finding a need to politicize our mandate as public servants.”
“It is during these times that the bayanihan spirit burns even brighter in the hearts of Filipinos. It is when we become heroes for one another, demonstrating the highest form of compassion for our people,” Duterte said.
“Let us always keep our momentum towards building a better and more resilient nation for everyone,” he added.
Now that he is at the tail end of his term as President, Duterte said he sees how the Filipinos’ shared values and vision toward progress and prosperity bear into fruition.
“With our strength and solidarity, we can overcome all forms of trials and problems that test our character.,” he said.
