DILG turns over P8 for Sapapingao's Evacuation Center

DAGUPAN CITY – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) turned-over on July 13 the first tranche of more than P8 million or 80 percent of P10 million as its share  for the construction of a three-storey evacuation center in the island barangay of  Salapingao.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez received the check from DILG Region 1 Director Julie Daquioag along with Engr.  Sharwyn M. Sangel of  the agency's Project Management and Development  Unit (PDMU); Victoria Jean P. Dawis, cluster leader;  and DILG City Director Rhoderick Dawis,  during the flag raising ceremony at the People’s Astrodome.

The amount came from the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) fund of DILG, to be boosted by a counterpart of P4.3 million from the Dagupan City government.

Dawis said that the remaining 20 percent from DILG will be released to the city as soon as the project is 90 percent complete and upon the completion of all the requirements.

“The project will soon start construction following revision of the minor details in the design of the building for it to conform to the requirements of our office for an evacuation center,” said Dawis.

Mayor Fernandez thanked Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas for his support as she reiterated the importance of the project in saving the lives and limbs of the people whenever storm surge or a tsunami hits the island barangay.

“We are happy because we can finally start the construction of our evacuation center in Salapingao which is a three storey building with roof deck," said Fernandez.

She added that the counterpart of the city for the project in the amount of P4.3 million was made possible because of the sound financial status of the city today.

“I am thankful to our employees because maganda ang collection natin sa ating mga markets. And this is because bawal ang magnanakaw dito sa ating lungsod. Kapag walang magnanakaw, lahat ng pundo  ay mapupunta sa taong bayan at siempre dapat ding maayos ang paggamit natin  nito. These two will have to complement each other for a sound financial management,” said Fernandez. 

On the other hand, Daquioag commended Fernandez for the unlimited service that the people of Dagupan are getting from her, noting that the mayor never stopped following up the fund for the project. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO)