DPWH Builds Covered Gym to Boost Iloilo Community Resilience

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) constructed a significant multi-purpose building in Barangay 10, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, to enhance community resilience.

DPWH Region 6 Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel said the covered gym serves as a multi-functional space that will contribute to the community’s resilience, particularly during disasters and emergencies.

“This covered gym offers a strong and safe haven during emergencies such as severe weather events, and can also facilitate community gatherings, sports activities, and educational programs,” Oropel said.

“This structure is designed with utmost durability and safety to withstand adverse conditions while effectively serving the community. It is more than just a structure; it symbolizes unity, progress, and community spirit, bringing people together for communal gatherings, fitness sessions, and shared moments,” he added.

The project, undertaken by the DPWH Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office, involved the construction of a 16-meter by 30-meter covered gym with six-span roof framing and necessary amenities. The project cost PHP 4.948 million.

District Engineer Mario G. Soriano noted that the gym could also serve as a temporary evacuation center during disasters, particularly for families in disaster-prone areas.

“Investing in covered courts designed with resilience in mind is essential for fostering strong communities capable of withstanding natural disasters,” Soriano said.

“By prioritizing quake-resistant designs, involving communities in planning, ensuring multi-functional use, and incorporating sustainable practices, these structures become key assets for enhancing community resilience,” he added.

With a covered gym, residents can continue activities without concerns about outdoor discomforts. It also provides a spacious environment for safe and unrestricted movement. (DPWH)