P50-M multi-purpose center to rise in Lubao
LUBAO, Pampanga — Residents of the coastal barangays of Lubao and nearby municipalities will soon have a safe place to run to and temporarily stay when perennial floods threaten their villages.
This after the local government here led by Mayor Esmie G. Pineda broke ground for the construction of a Php50 million multi-purpose evacuation center in Barangay Sta. Catalina here donated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).
Pagcor Chair and Chief Executive Officer Andrea D. Domingo personally turned-over the Php50-million cheque to the LGU to bankroll the construction of the two-storey building, the sixth of its kind to be erected in Pampanga.
The building will complement the 24-hectare government property that currently houses regional and provincial evacuation sites, COVID-19 isolation facilities, municipal material recovery facility and the nearby Lubao Bamboo Hub and Ecopark.
Pineda said the building will serve residents of the coastal barangays of Sta. Tereza II (Lambiki), Bancal Pugad and Bancal Sinubli whose quickest access to the town proper is via the Porac- Gumain River that runs beside the Bamboo Hub.
“Even other barangays of the Second District (of Pampanga) will benefit from this project,” Pineda said.
Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda, Vice-Governor Lilia Pineda, Second District Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo and former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were also present during the groundbreaking.
The governor, who initiated the Bamboo Hub project when he was mayor of Lubao, has tasked the municipal government to conduct a canal lining study in the area in preparation for future developments.
Meanwhile, the Arroyo mother and son tandem appealed for more assistance from Pagcor for projects that could support the initial Php50-million building.
In her speech, Domingo revealed that Pampanga has always been among her priorities in Pagcor’s thrust under the Duterte administration’s “Build Build Build” program.
Pagcor is currently funding the construction of a Php500-million OFW hospital in Pampanga which the gaming firm will also furnish with Php200 million worth of equipment.
Domingo, who served as Immigration commissioner under the Arroyo administration, is a Kapampangan. (Lubao FB account)
