Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday called on the Department of Health (DoH) and local government units (LGUs) to maintain a state of heightened alert and proactive response as Typhoon Tino continues to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds across several areas of the country.

Go, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Health, stressed the critical need for readiness, coordination, and swift action to ensure the safety and welfare of affected Filipinos.

“In times of calamity, no one should be complacent. All of us, from the national to the local level, must be alert and prepared,” Go said. “The safety of every Filipino should always be our priority.”

The senator urged LGUs to immediately mobilize their local disaster risk reduction and management councils and activate evacuation centers equipped with medical and emergency response teams.

He also encouraged the DoH to ensure that public hospitals and rural health units are prepared to handle emergencies and potential disease outbreaks caused by flooding.

“Aside from rescue and evacuation, there must be sufficient medicine, food, and clean water in the evacuation centers,” Go pointed out. “We must not forget the pregnant, senior citizens, and the sick — they are the most affected when there is a calamity.”

Go underscored the importance of implementing the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act (Republic Act 12076), which he authored and co-sponsored, mandating the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient, and fully equipped evacuation centers nationwide.

He also reiterated his push for Senate Bill No. 173, or the Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to create a dedicated agency to unify the country’s disaster preparedness, response and rehabilitation efforts.

“The system should not change every time there is a typhoon or earthquake,” he explained. “We need a robust structure and clear coordination for fast action so that aid is not delayed.”

As “Tino” continues, the senator encouraged the public to stay vigilant, monitor advisories, avoid unnecessary travel, and immediately evacuate if instructed by local officials.

He also urged Filipinos to utilize the medical assistance available through the Malasakit Centers, which he authored into law, and the expanding network of Super Health Centers for free medical consultations and services.