TACLOBAN CITY — Residents of Barangay Poblacion District IV in La Paz, Leyte now have a larger and safer venue for community activities and disaster response following the completion of a new multi-purpose facility by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office.
The newly completed structure, with a total floor area of 1,445 square meters, was designed to accommodate various public functions including community gatherings, social and sports activities, government programs, and emergency evacuation during calamities.
The facility features a reception area, mess hall, kitchen, administrative office, storage room, play area, breastfeeding room, clinic, and prayer room to address the diverse needs of residents.
It is also equipped with eight air-conditioning units, bleachers, and separate toilet and bath facilities for males, females, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In addition to the building, the project included the construction of 805.16 square meters of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) and the installation of movable basketball goals to support sports activities in the community.
According to Barangay Secretary Darna Salinas, residents previously struggled during calamities due to the absence of a proper evacuation center.
“Before, when we still did not have an evacuation center, we would crowd inside the barangay hall whenever calamities occurred. We did not have a spacious or adequate evacuation center that could accommodate the residents of District IV during disasters,” Salinas recalled.
She added that the barangay also encountered difficulties in conducting public activities because of limited venue space.
“Aside from calamities, we also had difficulty conducting activities because we had to share the old gymnasium with other events. We could not accommodate people properly, especially during barangay assemblies and medical missions,” she said.
Salinas expressed gratitude to the DPWH for the completion of the facility, saying it would greatly benefit not only residents of Poblacion District IV but also nearby barangays in La Paz.
“This is a big help for the residents of Poblacion District IV and other barangays in La Paz, Leyte. We, the barangay officials, are very thankful to the DPWH because this project is a huge assistance to all Lapaznons. Thank you very much, DPWH,” she added.
The project was funded under the DPWH CY 2024 General Appropriations Act–Basic Infrastructure Program for Multi-Purpose Buildings and Facilities and was completed on July 4, 2025 by CNE Construction.
(LIZBETH A. ABELLA)
