TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has transformed an open area with a stage into a new, covered multipurpose facility in Gerona, Tarlac.
Located in Barangay Ayson, the new infrastructure will accommodate various community needs.
DPWH Tarlac 1st District Engineer Neil Farala explained that the project included the construction of a covered court adjacent to the existing stage area.
“We added a new stage across from the old one, installed concrete bench seating along the sides of the court, and provided lighting to extend the space’s use into the evening. This upgrade will significantly enhance the community’s ability to use the facility for a variety of activities,” he added.
Farala expressed optimism that the facility will greatly improve the village’s capacity to deliver timely services and serve as a safe venue for community events and emergency situations.
Barangay Captain Ronnie Facun welcomed the new venue, highlighting its importance for barangay activities, recreational purposes, and as an evacuation site during natural disasters.
“Pagkagabi maraming naglalaro dito imbes na sila ay nandiyan nakaupo naglalaro ng mga gadget nila, dito sila naglalaro sila, nagbabasketball sila – tapos pagka may kalamidad, magagamit natin to sa evacuation (At night, many people play here instead of sitting and playing with their gadgets. They come here to play basketball. And when calamities strike, we can use it for evacuation),” Facun mentioned.
This P6.86-million facility, funded through the 2024 General Appropriations Act, underscores the agency’s commitment to improving public infrastructure by offering a versatile space that supports a wide range of community functions and enhances the barangay’s emergency preparedness. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
