SEN. Bong Go has commended the signing of Republic Act (RA) 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, establishing safe and well-equipped evacuation centers nationwide.
Go, who co-sponsored and authored the law, attended the signing ceremony of RA 12076 on Friday, in Malacañan Palace.
On the same day, RA 12077, the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which Go also co-sponsored and co-authored, was signed into law.
Speaking about his years-long advocacy, Go emphasized the urgent need for dedicated facilities to provide refuge for disaster-affected communities, ensuring that evacuees no longer have to endure inadequate, temporary shelters.
“I have been fighting for a long time for proper and comfortable evacuation centers. Finally, the bill that gives dignity to our countrymen affected by the disaster has been enacted,” Go said in Filipino.
He cited his extensive travels to disaster-stricken areas, during which he witnessed firsthand the plight of evacuees forced to take shelter in unsuitable locations such as schools, gymnasiums and basketball courts.
Go outlined key features of the centers as stipulated in the law, including clean sanitation facilities, sleeping quarters, emergency supply storage, and provisions for vulnerable sectors such as children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
By providing dedicated evacuation facilities, Go highlighted that communities can better recover from disasters without compromising education, public health, or livelihoods.
He pointed out the systemic challenges brought about by using schools as evacuation centers, which disrupt classes and create additional stress for the evacuees and the broader community.
Beyond the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, Go reiterated his support for the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), which he has consistently championed.
The DDR aims to unify and streamline disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts nationwide.
“We need to establish a dedicated agency for disaster resilience. Better coordination and quicker response during disasters are essential,” he stated, referring to his filed Senate Bill (SB) 188.
The DDR proposal includes establishing a centralized disaster response system, operational centers and research institutes to improve the nation’s resilience to calamities.
Go emphasized investing in preparedness rather than waiting for disasters to strike.
“Let’s not wait for more tragedies to occur before we act. Now is the right time to prepare,” he said.
As the nation faces increasing threats from climate change and natural disasters, Go’s push for mandatory evacuation centers and enhanced disaster resilience remains a cornerstone of his legislative agenda.
With the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act now a reality, he expressed hope that no Filipino would endure unsafe and unsanitary conditions during emergencies.
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