Bong Go calls for faster rollout of evacuation centers across Phl

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is calling on government agencies to ensure that disaster response is not delayed, especially as the country braces for typhoons and continues to face recurring fire incidents in urban poor communities.

Go stressed that the government must focus on readiness, not just reaction, especially now that Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, is already in place. The law, which was signed in December 2024, mandates the establishment of permanent, safe, and fully equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality.

“Calamities can happen anytime, whether fire or storm, families will always be affected. That is why there should be a proper evacuation center in every community,” Go said in Filipino.

Go, who authored and co-sponsored the law, said the goal is to create permanent shelters that prioritize dignity and safety for disaster victims.

“The purpose of this law is to establish mandatory evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities to ensure that the dignity of evacuees is protected,” he added.

He raised this appeal following his visit to fire victims in Tondo, Manila, shortly after his proclamation as senator. Go continues to visit fire and disaster-stricken communities across the country, personally extending assistance to affected families.

“It is not only legislation that is part of a senator’s job. Our duty also includes oversight to ensure that government agencies are doing their jobs properly, representation to be your voice in the Senate, and constituency service because you are the ones we serve,” he explained.

Go pointed out that makeshift shelters using tarpaulins or cardboard are not enough for displaced families. He called on the government to provide proper evacuation centers that will meet basic needs.

“Fire or flood victims should not be sleeping on sidewalks. Tarpaulins and cartons are not enough. The people are the ones suffering, and it is the responsibility of the government to give them proper temporary shelter,” Go said.

The Office of Civil Defense confirmed that the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act have been approved. Local government units are now required to submit proposed locations for evacuation centers, which will undergo hazard assessments with the help of science agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Full construction is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2025 and continue into 2026.

Go is also pushing for longer-term solutions. He filed Senate Bill No. 192, which proposes a Rental Housing Subsidy Program to help disaster victims secure temporary housing while rebuilding.

“It is hard to lose your home, but it is even harder when you have nowhere to sleep while trying to recover. If they need to rent, the government should be able to help so families can rebuild,” he said.

In addition, Go is pushing for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience through Senate Bill No. 188. The proposed department would focus on risk reduction, efficient disaster response, and stronger rebuilding efforts to prevent repeated losses in vulnerable communities.

“We should not only react to disasters. There must be long-term planning, risk assessments, and stronger rebuilding efforts. We should not wait for the next tragedy before we act,” Go emphasized.

As fires continue to displace families and the rainy season brings threats of typhoons and flooding, Go urged authorities to work quickly so that evacuation centers are ready before more disasters occur.

“I want to be remembered not just as a senator but as a public servant who always puts the welfare of the Filipino people first, especially the poor and those who have less in life,” he said.

Go said it is not enough for laws to be passed. Action on the ground must follow, because every family deserves safety, shelter, and dignity in the face of disaster.