Borongan, Eastern Samar – IOM, the UN Migration Agency and UN children’s agency UNICEF joined partners and the local government of Borongan today (31 August) to inaugurate a disaster-resilient evacuation centre.

Called Arayupan ha Borongan or Shelter of Borongan, the building has three key functions: as a social space for the community, a life-saving shelter during natural disasters and a temporary shelter to accommodate evacuees after an emergency.

“The Philippines is among the world's most disaster-prone countries and most affected by climate change. With any disaster, children become the most vulnerable. This evacuation centre, built to withstand strong typhoons and earthquakes can play a big part in preparedness efforts, and become a safe space for children and families affected,” UNICEF Representative Lotta Sylwander said at the inauguration ceremonies.

In 2015, IOM and UNICEF embarked on an initiative to enhance the network of evacuation centres in Eastern Samar. The programme integrates the design and construction of disaster resilient community buildings to reduce disaster risk and strengthen disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities.

“This project would not have achieved this level of success, if not for the excellent support of local government counterparts and the valuable contribution of the affected communities,” said IOM Philippines Chief of Mission Marco Boasso.

Arayupan ha Borongan is designed to provide life-saving shelter for up to 350 persons during and after a natural disaster. The design reflects lessons learned from various disaster response. It maximizes natural light and ventilation to reduce the need for electric power which often fails during an emergency. The design features strong sight-lines to minimize bullying and gender-based violence in crowded emergency situations, and incorporates ramps, handrails, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities with improved access for children, elderly and people with disabilities (PWDs). The building includes space for the registration and information sharing needed during mass evacuations. It also has storage space for supplies, generators and fuel.

Based on lessons learned from the pilot building in the Municipality of Guiuan, the second building in Borongan has additional hand wash basins, bathing cubicles and laundry facilities. Children were also involved in making the building a community space. Students from the Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School participated in an art workshop that resulted in a mural themed “pintikasi” or bayanihan/community spirit. A children’s playground has been constructed adjacent to the building and was made possible by the participation of community volunteers and in-kind donations from local business leaders.

"The community evacuation center is a significant opportunity that will help strengthen our city’s adaptation to the challenges brought by the impacts of climate change," said Borongan city mayor Maria Fe R. Abunda.

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About IOM

IOM, the UN Migration Agency is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, it acts with its partners in the international community to assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management, including displacement caused by emergencies, post-crisis response and emergency preparedness. IOM leads the global Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster that coordinates the work of humanitarian agencies following major natural disasters. For more about IOM please go to our global website at www.iom.int.

About UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For more information about UNICEF and its work please visit www.unicef.ph; or follow us on Facebook at /unicefphilippines and Twitter at @unicefphils.

For more information, please contact:

Megan Genat, Project Manager, Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit, IOM Philippines, Mobile: +63 915 564 7312, mgenat@iom.int
Marge Francia, Communication Officer, UNICEF Philippines, Tel: +632 901 0173, mfrancia@unicef.org