‘Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act’ soon to be signed by PBBM
Both chambers of Congress have approved a bill mandating the construction of permanent, storm-resilient evacuation centers that would shelter large numbers of people and even farm animals in multiple locations nationwide.
In a statement on Sunday, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the proposed “Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act” calls for the building of safe havens that can potentially serve as safe refuge for millions of Filipinos against severe climate-driven calamities that have been increasing in frequency.
Formally designated as House Bill No. 7354 and Senate Bill No. 2451, the measure is currently in the process of enrollment and will soon be sent to President Marcos for his signature.
“The devastation of recent storms shows us the urgent need to act. The Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act represents our commitment to safeguarding every Filipino in times of crisis, ensuring that each city and municipality will have a secure, fully equipped center to shelter and support evacuees,” he explained.
Romualdez expressed confidence that the chief executive would quickly sign the measure, allowing the process of constructing shelters to commence, even as many communities across the country struggle to recover from a series of devastating storms this year.
The envisioned shelters will be built to endure typhoon winds of up to 300 kilometers per hour and seismic activity with up to an 8.0 magnitude.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in consultation with local government units (LGUs) will determine where new centers will be built, with priority being given to high-risk, disaster-prone areas, the Speaker added.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be tapped to erect these centers in coordination with local governments, adhering to the strict standards of the National Building Code.
“Every center facilities will include sleeping areas, health care stations, shower and toilet facilities, and spaces for children and women, ensuring full accessibility for people with disabilities,” Romualdez noted.
He further explained that the proposed law allows local governments to designate existing structures as evacuation centers, provided they meet the resilience and accessibility requirements.
Each Ligtas Pinoy center shall include sanitation facilities, food preparation areas, emergency power, and even designated areas for livestock — recognizing that many Filipino families evacuate with animals essential to their livelihood.
Romualdez emphasized the legislation represents a significant step in the government’s broader climate resilience strategy.
He noted that the measure responds to repeated calls from local communities for safe, resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural and human-induced calamities.
“We are building a future where our communities can endure, where our families are safe, and where our nation stands ready to face the escalating impact of climate change,” the Speaker said.
On Friday, Mr. Marcos vowed to further improve disaster risk reduction (DRR) capabilities at the local and national levels after parts of the country were hit hard by floods and landslides caused by a series of powerful typhoons.
In a vlog posted on social media, the President noted that millions of Filipinos were affected while the infrastructure and agriculture sectors sustained billions of pesos worth of damage due to recent typhoons exacerbated by climate change.
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