Enhancing disaster preparedness and response
I have long advocated the establishment of dedicated, safe and mandatory evacuation centers across the country to provide disaster victims with secure and dignified temporary shelter.
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I have long advocated the establishment of dedicated, safe and mandatory evacuation centers across the country to provide disaster victims with secure and dignified temporary shelter.
The previous week, our country was once again reminded of its vulnerability to natural disasters. In Quezon province, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck on 29 July, while Davao City, Sarangani province and other parts of Mindanao experienced flooding due to heavy rains. As a result, many Filipinos were displaced and sought refuge in temporary evacuation centers.
While we cannot prevent earthquakes, floods and other calamities from occurring, we can certainly prepare better and respond more effectively.
This is why I have long advocated the establishment of dedicated, safe and mandatory evacuation centers across the country to provide disaster victims with secure and dignified temporary shelter. It is heartbreaking to see our fellow Filipinos forced to stay in basketball courts, with classrooms often being used as evacuation sites, and sometimes even having to remain in unsafe temporary shelters.
On 27 July, we renewed our push for the full implementation of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act after the President included in his State of the Nation Address that the government will begin constructing mandatory evacuation centers across the country.
As the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, I believe its full implementation can significantly improve our country’s disaster response. This measure mandates the construction of disaster-resilient evacuation centers to ensure that displaced families have safe and secure temporary shelters during emergencies.
During our recent visit to Pasay City on 29 July to extend assistance to families affected by a fire, I once again emphasized the urgency of implementing this law. I continue to urge the government to utilize public funds well and prioritize projects that are beneficial to the public instead of wasteful infrastructure, such as ghost and anomalous flood control projects.
Our work, however, does not end there. To further strengthen the country’s disaster management system, we also refiled Senate Bill 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to establish a dedicated department that will unify disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation efforts under a single agency.
Creating a centralized disaster resilience department would help improve coordination among government agencies, streamline the delivery of assistance and ensure clearer institutional responsibilities before, during and after emergencies.
Consequently, we likewise refiled Senate Bill 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Program, which aims to provide temporary rental assistance to informal settler families and disaster victims while they rebuild their homes or await permanent resettlement.
Ultimately, disaster preparedness is about more than responding after tragedy strikes. It means investing in resilient infrastructure and putting policies in place that protect lives before disasters happen.
Because of this, we will continue pushing for policies that strengthen disaster preparedness while ensuring that no displaced family is left without safe shelter and access to essential services.
Meanwhile, aside from advocating for laws that benefit the people, we also made sure to reach those who are in need. We personally visited Davao Oriental on 1 August to attend the Davao Oriental State University Lupon Extension Campus inauguration ceremony.
Afterward, we proceeded to Barangay Tibanban, Governor Generoso, where we extended assistance to families affected by the recent fire. We also provided financial assistance to around 800 indigent beneficiaries, including members of the women’s sector, religious organizations and barangay functionaries.
On the same day, we were invited to the 78th founding anniversary of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, and the State of the Municipal Address of Mayor Juanito “Kulot” Inojales, where we expressed our appreciation and congratulations to all of Governor Generoso’s local officials.
Meanwhile, our Malasakit Team reached out to our kababayans in need by immediately aiding fire victims in Muntinlupa City, Talisay City, Cebu, and Anilao, Iloilo.
Our team also attended the turnover ceremony of a newly opened Super Health Center in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte. We provided grocery packs to barangay health workers. We also helped facilitate the donation of medical equipment from the Okada Foundation to public health facilities in Davao Oriental. The Municipality of Lupon received a mobile clinic, while San Isidro received medical equipment through the initiative.
Additionally, scholars who completed their Technical and Vocational Education and Training were also assisted by our Malasakit Team in Paranas, Samar.
As Mr. Malasakit, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya. Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos.
