Promoting evacuees’ dignity

Filipinos have faced numerous natural and man-made calamities, from typhoons and earthquakes to volcanic eruptions and fires. Despite these challenges, we are often praised by other nations for our resilience and optimism in the face of adversity.

However, our positive outlook should not excuse the lack of efforts to better protect the safety, security, and dignity of affected communities. We must improve our preparedness, starting with the current state of evacuation centers nationwide, where victims are temporarily housed for their safety and begin the recovery process.

During my visits to various communities, I have witnessed firsthand the hardships evacuees endure when taking shelter in schools, gyms, and covered courts without proper access to potable water, clean toilets, and comfortable sleeping areas. These conditions not only make evacuees susceptible to illness but also strip poor Filipinos of their dignity.

This is why, during the Senate session on 18 September, I urged my fellow lawmakers to take swift action on Senate Bill No. 2451, also known as the Ligtas Pinoy or Mandatory Evacuation Centers bill. This bill aims to establish permanent and fully equipped evacuation centers in every municipality and city. As the principal author and co-sponsor, I am happy to report that the Senate passed the bill on second reading last week.

On 16 September, we also called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development during the Senate budget deliberations to ensure that its programs benefit those most in need of government assistance, particularly the poor, elderly, and other vulnerable sectors.

Our work continues as we aided 2,500 indigent residents in Pasay City, including members of the Tricycle and Pedicab Operators and Drivers Association, on 17 September. Aside from the assistance we provided, they benefited from financial aid we advocated for in partnership with Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.

On 19 September, we traveled to Naga City, Camarines Sur, to support 1,000 displaced workers with Mayor Nelson Legacion. We also participated in the Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival and Street Dance Competition and visited the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.

On 20 September, we visited Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, where we assisted 23 cooperatives from Central Visayas through the “Malasakit sa Kooperatiba” initiative in collaboration with the CDA. We also helped 532 indigent residents in San Fernando, Cebu, with Mayor Mytha Canoy and attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center there. In Cebu City, we assisted 500 displaced workers alongside Acting Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros. Afterward, we traveled to Davao City to help 382 fire victims who received emergency housing assistance from the NHA to rebuild their homes.

That evening, I attended the PDP General Assembly, led by Party Chairman and former President Rodrigo Duterte, Party President and Senator Robin Padilla, Party EVP and Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, Party VP for Mindanao and Senator Bato dela Rosa, along with other officials and partymates.

I was humbled by their nomination and support for my re-election as senator. God willing, I wish to continue serving the people: “Ipagpapatuloy ko pa ang aking pagseserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya at sama-sama naming ipagpapatuloy ang gobyernong may tapang at malasakit para sa bawat Pilipino!”

As your “Mr. Malasakit,” I will not stop advocating for programs that prioritize the safety, welfare, and health of our fellow Filipinos. I will continue serving with dedication, as I believe that service to the people is service to God.