Mayor Robredo cites ‘minimal damage’ post Uwan, aims for urgent retrofitting of evacuation centers

While affirming that city government properties sustained minimal damage from the recent Typhoon Uwan, Mayor Leni Robredo revealed critical gaps in disaster preparedness, particularly concerning the structural integrity of designated evacuation centers.

Mayor Robredo highlighted that widespread preparations were unexpectedly challenged by design flaws in facilities meant to shelter the public. “Grabe preparation ta pero dae ta napagpreparan na si iba tang mga evacuation centers. Pag makusog ang duros, lalaugon ning tubig,” Mayor Robredo said in a press conference, noting a critical realization during the disaster response.

The most immediate concern cited was the People’s Hall at the Naga City Hall. Evacuees housed there were “soaked” by the water that seeped in. To remedy the situation, the Mayor’s Office and the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Panlungsod were promptly opened to serve as temporary, dryer shelters for those displaced. A similar issue was observed at the Sta. Cruz Evacuation and Event Center, where a structural opening became an entry point for water, leading to leaks and subsequent relocation of evacuees. Mayor Robredo admitted that the city takes responsibility for the inconvenience caused.

Despite the infrastructure setbacks, the Mayor commended the swift and complete assistance from the education sector, “Mapasalamat man kita sa mga eskwelahan si DEpED 100% si tabang,” she noted. Private schools like Mariners Polytechnic Colleges and Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) also opened their doors.

These challenges ultimately pivoted to a crucial priority: the urgent need to address the shortage and structural inadequacies of the city’s evacuation facilities. The Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, for instance, which was used for shelter, was never intended to be an evacuation center. While it was fortunate that the water did not rise there, the mayor acknowledged the immediate need for action. A key realization, Robredo highlighted, is that the city simply lacks sufficient and appropriate evacuation centers.

“We really need to complete the retrofitting within the year 2026,” Mayor Robredo declared, identifying facilities like the People’s Hall—which is not designed for comfort as a long-term shelter—as top priorities for development and structural upgrade.

This underscores the city’s commitment to transforming emergency response lessons into long-term infrastructure development and improved disaster resilience. | via Maida Boragay