Ligao City turns evacuation centers into homes

From shelter to food supplies to entertainment, Ligao City is creating homes away from homes in the evacuation centers. With Ligao’s Operation “Mayon Eruption” 2014, families are given special attention to make their stay at the evacuation centers as comfortable as possible. Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua said that they are pulling resources to accommodate the evacuees and provide them with all the basic needs and some source of entertainment.

As of 29 September, 834 families from barangays Baligang, Amtic, and Tambo were evacuated to the AECID Building and Binatagan Elementary School, NHA/Ligao City Government Socialized Housing and J.M. Robredo Productivity Center, and Nabonton Elementary School and Barangay Hall.

The show must go on

Despite being away from their homes, evacuees from Baligang celebrated their Barangay Fiesta at Binatagan on 24 September. The City prepared a set of activities for the day to keep the evacuees entertained and distracted, according to Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON. Evacuees enjoy several activities during the celebration of their barangay fiesta.
Photo courtesy of Keith Ruivivar/City Mayor's Office

Evacuees participated in “The Singing Evacuees” where they enjoyed the videoke singing. Parlor games, free ice cream, and mascots of Dora the Explorer and Mickey Mouse brought joys to the families. A fiesta mass and baptism of 50 children were held in the morning and followed by a night of dancing, all sponsored by Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez.

"The Singing Evacuees" was one of the activities that the City Government prepared for the evacuees.
Photo courtesy of Keith Ruivivar/Ligao City Mayor's Office

The City Civil Registrar’s Office also conducted a Mobile Registration at the evacuation center in Binatagan bringing the services closer to the evacuees.

The City Government of Ligao, through the City Civil Registrar's Office conducted a Mobile Registration at the evacuation center in Binatagan. Photo courtesy of Jurlan Buello

Home away from home

The eruption of Mayon volcano remains unpredictable. It is uncertain as to how long the evacuees would be staying in the evacuation centers. Nevertheless, the City is taking efforts to help the evacuees perform their daily routines as if they are at home. “As much as possible, we try to provide all the needs nung mga [of our] evacuees. We make them as comfortable as we can,” said Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua.

DORA VISITS. Mascot Dora the Explorer visits and brings joy to the families. Photo courtesy of Keith Ruivivar/City Mayor's Office

On 21 September, mascots came to entertain the evacuees and a film showing was held in the evening for an extended recreation.

Children enjoyed the film showing of "The Frozen" during their first week at the evacuation center.
Photo courtesy of Keith Ruivivar/City Mayor's Office

Entertainment shows are being held every weekend. The City provided improvised large screens where films are being projected for better viewing experience of the large audience. These entertainment shows along with other amusement were part of the Psycho-social activities prepared by the City to help the evacuees overcome stress and anxiety.

                              

Pulling all resources

Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua said that they are pulling all the resources to continuously provide the needs of the evacuees. With the help of the Provincial Governor, Sangguniang Panlungsod and City officials and participation of Congressman Gonzalez and private individuals, Ligao is able to acquire more resources.

The City designates a health team, ambulance, and PNP personnel to the evacuation centers available every day for 24 hours. Potable water facilities, toilets, and shower rooms were also provided in the areas. The Bureau of Fire and Protection sends fire trucks twice every day to fill up water drums in the evacuation centers for domestic use (i.e. washing dishes and clothes).

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua with local government personnel distribute fresh fish and dressed chicken to the evacuees. Photos courtesy of Jurlan Buello

The City is also coming up with a strategy that would make the distribution of relief goods more efficient and convenient. Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua said that they are distributing a variety of relief goods including tinapa with eggs, meatloaf with monggo, corned beef, Vienna sausage, and macaroni soup among others. The evacuees are provided occasionally with fresh fish and chicken.

Tents provided by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) were used as temporary classrooms of students from Amtic National High School. Partition walls were also installed in evacuation centers to make cubicles for families. The City is maximizing the use of available spaces to provide shelters for evacuees instead of occupying schools to avoid suspension of classes.

Despite having simultaneous projects and issues going around the city, Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua, in cooperation with local officials and authorities, responds to each concern the fastest and most effective way possible.

Written by Lala Peñafiel