CABANATUAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed a 468-square meter covered court in Laur, Nueva Ecija, providing local residents with a multifunctional facility.
Located in Barangay San Antonio, the P4.9-million project is now open for community use.
DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd District OIC Engineer Robert Jay Panaligan emphasized that the covered court was designed to host community events, serve as a refuge during calamities, and includes lighting fixtures and a basketball goal, making it both a recreational space and an emergency shelter.
“In times of calamities, this covered court can be quickly turned into an evacuation center, providing a safe and accessible space for residents. Its sturdy structure offers protection from the elements, while the lighting and other amenities ensure comfort and safety during emergencies,” Panaligan stated.
San Antonio Barangay Captain Robert Ugay acknowledged how the facility significantly improved their ability to implement programs and deliver services to the community.
“Nakakatuwa pong isipin na dati, kapag nagkakaroon kami ng mga event, kung saan-saan lang po kami tumatakbo. Nakikihiram lang po kami sa gym ng eskuwelahan at mahirap po kapag nagsasabay ang mga programa ng paaralan at barangay. Kaya ngayong may covered court na kami, umulan man o umaraw, tuloy-tuloy na po ang aming mga programa (It’s heartwarming to think that before, whenever we had events, we had to run to different places. We would borrow the school gym, which was challenging when the school and barangay programs coincided. Now that we have a covered court, whether it rains or shines, our programs can go on without interruption),” Ugay shared.
Local officials also designated the covered court as a potential evacuation center due to the lack of such spaces in the area. This is particularly crucial for residents living near the creek, who have previously sought refuge in public schools during floods.
Barangay Secretary Norelie Sarmiento recounted her personal experience during Typhoon Karding in 2022, highlighting the community’s struggles due to the absence of an evacuation center.
“Sa naranasan ko po noong mga panahon na wala pa kaming covered court at ilang bagyo na ang dumaan, hirap kami kung saan sisilong dahil mababa po ang aming mga bahay at pinapasok ng baha. Naalala ko po noong Setyembre taong 2022, dumaan ang Bagyong Karding kaya napilitan kami na sa elementary school lumikas at naglalagay pa po kami ng tabla para makalilim, kaya ngayong may covered court na masaya kami na mayroon na kaming evacuation center (From my experience during the times when we didn’t have a covered court and several typhoons hit us, we struggled to find shelter because our houses were low and prone to flooding. I remember in September 2022, when Typhoon Karding struck, we were forced to evacuate to the elementary school, where we even had to place wooden planks for shade. Now that we have a covered court, we’re happy to finally have an evacuation center),” Sarmiento shared.
This project reflects the DPWH’s commitment to improving public facilities, ensuring their timely and budget-efficient completion, and providing safe and functional spaces that benefit local communities during both regular activities and emergencies. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)