P9.75-Million Surigao Evacuation Center Damaged Before Turnover

A newly built evacuation center worth P9.75 million in Barangay Esperanza, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, faces scrutiny following the collapse of exterior metal cladding before its scheduled turnover to local authorities.

The structural failure was discovered by residents in the area, including Angel Montenegro Daray, whose residence overlooks the facility. The incident has prompted immediate calls for a thorough technical audit of the infrastructure to determine the extent of construction defects and assess whether additional damage exists within the structure.

The evacuation center was designed to provide shelter and relief facilities for residents in disaster-prone areas of Surigao del Sur. The premature deterioration of the facility's exterior components has raised questions about construction quality and material durability, particularly given the region's exposure to typhoons and heavy weather conditions.

Local officials have initiated proceedings to investigate the construction standards applied to the project. The findings are expected to determine whether remedial work is required before the facility can be safely utilized, and whether accountability measures are necessary regarding the project contractors and oversight agencies involved in its development.