Our country has once again been tested by nature’s wrath in recent weeks. In the last few days, three weather disturbances enhanced the southwest monsoon, which brought continuous rains across the country and triggered widespread flooding and landslides. Lives were lost, and homes were destroyed. We are reminded once more how vulnerable we remain in the face of natural disasters.

As Filipinos, the spirit of bayanihan and the resilience of a nation are innate in us. However, I believe it is high time we break away from the same cycle of rescue and relief. As your senator, I will continue to push for measures to put preparedness and risk reduction at the core of our national policies.

This is the reason behind the proposed establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience through Senate Bill 173, a measure I re-filed in the 20th Congress. The proposed department aims to streamline and strengthen the government’s disaster risk reduction, response and recovery capabilities.

In 2024, Republic Act 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, became a law. As its principal author and co-sponsor, we continue to fight for its full implementation. The law mandates the government to ensure every city and municipality in the country has permanent, clean, and safe evacuation centers that are readily available before, during, and after disasters. We urge relevant government offices to prioritize the construction of mandatory and dedicated evacuation centers.

With the help of my fellow legislators, key government agencies, the private sector, and civil society, we will continue to work extra hard to pass impactful laws and promote meaningful programs so that we can bring services closer to those in need the most.

Meanwhile, we personally attended the 31st So Kim Cheng Foundation Annual Sports Awards held in Davao City recently, where we were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Sports Award for our unwavering support for Filipino athletes and strong advocacy for sports development in the country. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, I always say, get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit. This has been my lifelong commitment, and I will continue to champion it for the benefit of our youth and our future.

Meanwhile, our Malasakit Team delivered assistance to our fellow Filipinos affected by the flooding, which claimed around 25 lives, including that of Cristina Padora, a dedicated Barangay Health Worker in Meycauayan City, Bulacan, who tragically lost her life while on duty during the relief operations.

In Laguna, we assisted 122 individuals in San Pablo City, 25 in Calauan, 23 in Victoria with Board Member Angelica Jones, and 581 in Biñan City with Mayor Gel Alonte and Barangay Captain Dindo Arroyo. In Tondo, Manila, 300 typhoon victims from Barangays 187, 196 and 197 received immediate relief from us.

In Rizal, we aided 300 in Taytay with Mayor Alan de Leon, 250 in Cainta with Barangay Captain Janice Tecson, and 200 in Binangonan. In Pampanga, 400 were assisted in Guagua with Barangay Captain Rowena Dinalanta and Mr. Rolly Guiam, and 700 in Minalin with Vice Mayor Rondon Mercando and Ms. Rona Talavera. We also helped 150 in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa City with Barangay Captain Tintin Abas-Ding, and 200 in Las Piñas City with SK Chairman Mark Lapido. In San Antonio, Zambales, 400 were assisted with Mayor Dok Arvin Antipolo.

In Cavite, we provided aid to 400 in Bacoor City with Councilor Levy Tela, 250 in General Trias City with Mayor JonJon Ferrer, Vice Mayor Jonas Porto Labuguen, and Board Member Morit Sison, and 320 in Tanza with Mayor SM Matro.

In Bataan, 500 were helped in Hermosa with Vice Mayor Patrick Rellosa, 500 in Limay, and another 500 in Dagupan with Mayor Belen Fernandez. In Bulacan, 100 were assisted in Calumpit with former Asec. Paul Cabrera, 800 in San Miguel with Vice Mayor Jhong Reyes and Councilor Joy Chico, and 500 in Bustos with Mayor Iskul Juan.

Lastly, we extended assistance to 1,000 individuals in Pasig City with Councilor Ryan Enriquez, 100 in Caloocan City, 200 in Marikina City with KABISIG Ama Almocera, 300 in Quezon City with Councilor Luigi Pumaren, and 300 in Pasay City.

We also gave immediate aid to 43 fire victims in Barangay 129, Zone 11, Balut, Tondo, Manila.

Our Malasakit Team also attended the Rebranding Celebration of Healthway FEU-NRMF Medical Center in West Fairview, Quezon City, with Deputy COO Dr. Jacqueline Angeles; and Central Mindanao University 71st Commencement Exercises in Musuan, Bukidnon, with President Rolito Eball.

Let us all hope and pray for the safety of our fellow Filipinos. As your Mr. Malasakit, I will continue to push for more initiatives in advancing disaster resilience and preparedness. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.