Romualdez, Tingog lead opening of family-friendly evacuation center in Leyte

AN evacuation center with a family room and breastfeeding area has become a refuge of dignity and comfort for hundreds of evacuees in
San Miguel, Leyte — a model of disaster preparedness jointly initiated by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Tingog Party-list, and Mayor Norman Sabdao to ensure that relief shelters are functional, safe, and built for people, not just for emergencies.

As of 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said Mayor Sabdao reported that 549 families, or about 2,072 individuals, have taken shelter in the San Miguel evacuation centers following heavy rains.

“We want our evacuees to feel safe, cared for, and treated humanely even in crisis,” Acidre, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chairperson, said.

Romualdez has been an instrumental figure in Tacloban’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda on November 8, 2013.

Built through the support of Romualdez, Tingog Party-list, and Sagdao, Acidre, the San Miguel evacuation complex features amenities rarely found in temporary shelters — separate family rooms, a dedicated breastfeeding corner for mothers, clean and comfortable restrooms, proper lighting, sleeping quarters, and storage for relief goods.

Acidre said the design also includes accessible spaces for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and children, ensuring comfort and inclusion for all.

He said local officials and volunteers have noted that the facility has facilitated faster and more organized coordination of relief operations.

“This is more than an evacuation site — it’s a home in times of need,” Acidre said.

For his part, Romualdez, through his office and Tingog Party-list, has been supporting local governments in building disaster-resilient infrastructure across Leyte and Eastern Visayas.

“Our aim is simple — every Filipino family must have a safe and decent place to stay when disaster strikes,” Romualdez said.

Grateful evacuees praised the center’s thoughtful design.

“May kwarto para sa mag-asawa, may lugar para sa mga nanay at sanggol — hindi lang kami basta pinasok dito, pinangalagaan kami,” one mother shared.

With weather conditions still unstable, Acidre said relief distribution and health monitoring will continue until it is safe for families to return home.

“We built the evacuation center to protect lives and restore dignity — that’s the essence of true preparedness,” Acidre said.