Assessment of Evacuation Center in Sta. Cruz, Naga City, Philippines

Abstract

Living in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, the efficacy of evacuation centers is paramount. This case study presents a qualitative evaluation of the Sta. Cruz Evacuation Center in Naga City, assessed against national standards, the Sphere Handbook, and LEGS (Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards). Despite Naga City's proactive approach to disaster preparedness, the center received a concerning "Low Compliance" rating of 2.71 out of 5 (93 out of 127 points), indicating significant deficiencies.
Key findings reveal a strong formal structure for camp management (CMC), but critical operational gaps. These include the absence of a readily accessible physical Camp Management Plan (CMP), unclear roles within the Camp Management Team (CMT), and insufficient training for personnel. Information management is particularly weak, lacking a pre-disaster family profiling system. While basic facilities like shelter, accessibility for persons with disabilities, community kitchen, and storage areas show high compliance, severe deficiencies exist in sanitation, particularly desludging and sewage disposal, which received a "NOT COMPLIED" rating. Safety is also compromised by the center's location in a flood-prone area and inadequate structural resilience.