Evacuation Center in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. From the eruption of Taal Volcano to the relentless cycle of typhoons, millions of Filipinos are displaced annually. For decades, the default solution has been to convert public schools into makeshift shelters.
However, as recent global health crises and education gaps have shown, “making do” is no longer enough. From the halls of the Senate to the best practices in Japan, there is a growing movement to redefine what an evacuation center should be: a place of safety, dignity, and resilience.
End of the “School-as-Shelter” Era
For years, using schools as evacuation centers has been a double-edged sword. While they provide immediate roof and floor space, the practice significantly disrupts the education of millions of students.
According to reports from Climate Tracker Asia, the “school-as-shelter” model creates a “disaster after the disaster” by delaying the return to classes. Advocates and lawmakers are now pushing for a total shift toward dedicated, permanent evacuation centers so that schools can remain sanctuaries for learning, even during typhoon season.
Legislative Progress: Mandatory Evacuation Centers Act
The push for permanent infrastructure is no longer just a suggestion; it is becoming law.
- Senate Push: Senators like Lito Lapid and Bong Go have been vocal proponents of building permanent centers in every city and municipality.
- The Proposed Law: A bill requiring the construction of a dedicated evacuation center in every locality in the Philippines is currently awaiting presidential approval.
- Strategic Placement: As emphasized by former PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar, these centers must be strategically located in areas that are not prone to the very disasters they are meant to protect people from (e.g., away from flood zones or landslide-prone slopes).
Lessons from Japan: Privacy and Dignity
What does a “gold standard” evacuation center look like? We can look to Japan for answers. As highlighted by Nippon.com, the focus in Japanese shelters has shifted from mere survival to human dignity.
- “T-Room” Concept: Using simple cardboard partitions to provide families with private spaces.
- Sleep Health: Moving away from sleeping on cold floors by using reinforced cardboard beds, which prevent “economy class syndrome” and improve respiratory health.
- Sanitation First: Dedicated areas for waste and hygiene to prevent the spread of disease in cramped spaces.
Health and Sanitation: More Than Just a Roof
COVID-19 pandemic exposed the “deadly gaps” in Philippine evacuation centers. Congested spaces, shared toilets, and a lack of ventilation turned shelters into hotspots for virus transmission.
To improve health outcomes, modern centers – like those being standardized by the DPWH – now incorporate:
- Isolation Rooms: For those showing symptoms of infectious diseases.
- Gender-Sensitive Facilities: Separate restrooms and breastfeeding areas to ensure the safety of women and children.
- Kitchen and Laundry Zones: To allow families to maintain a sense of normalcy and nutrition.
Local Success Stories: Davao and Quezon City
While national laws are pending, some Local Government Units (LGUs) are leading the way:
- Davao City: Recently opened a state-of-the-art evacuation center in its 2nd District, specifically designed to withstand high-magnitude earthquakes and floods.
- Quezon City: The Barangay Balingasa Evacuation Center serves as a model for urban disaster response, proving that even in crowded cities, dedicated spaces can be carved out.
Infrastructure Standards: The DPWH Blueprint
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has begun rolling out standardized designs for evacuation centers. These are not just warehouses; they are resilient hubs equipped with:
- Generator sets for power outages.
- Rainwater harvesting systems.
- Structural integrity to withstand 300kph winds.