On October 25, 2024, the Foundation for the Development of Agusanons, Inc. (FDAI), with support from KNH-Luxembourg and funding from the Government of Luxembourg, officially turned over a newly-constructed evacuation center to the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Nuevo Trabajo in the Municipality of San Luis. This center, designed to help the community manage and respond to natural disasters, provides a safe space for residents during emergencies.
During the turnover ceremony, FDAI also provided essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Bantay Gubat, a local forest monitoring group. The event brought together local leaders, community members, and project partners. Barangay Captain Hon. Vicente Inting, along with representatives from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Bantay Gubat, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), led the attendees.
The event opened with a prayer, followed by a welcome address from Kagawad Joseph Curato, who thanked all those involved in the project. Barangay Captain Inting expressed gratitude to FDAI and its partners for their efforts in enhancing community safety, especially during flooding. Municipal Administrator Mrs. Jean Bascon echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the valuable support FDAI and its partners bring to the locality.
Rizalito Benito, CCAM Project Officer spoke about the importance of preparedness and partnership, noting that projects like the evacuation center help meet community needs and promote sustainable development. Additionally, Razyle Nichole Yuchiaco, another CCAMP Project Officer, facilitated the distribution of PPE to Bantay Gubat members, who expressed appreciation for the essential equipment to aid the forest monitoring work.
In his closing remarks, Sir Sadat Rivera, MDRRMO In-Charge, emphasized the new evacuation center’s role as a crucial resource for the community during natural disasters. He was truly grateful to FDAI for giving such useful resources that benefit the community.
Indeed, the event marked another step forward in FDAI’s mission to build resilient communities in Agusan del Sur.
