Fully implement the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act now
These conditions are particularly concerning because evacuation centers should not expose already vulnerable families to additional hardships.
Disasters and unforeseen circumstances are inevitable, which is why we should always be prepared to respond. As a senator, I always urge the national government to prioritize safe evacuation centers, adequate equipment, a swift emergency response and continuous support for affected families.
As Mr. Malasakit, I have long advocated for the immediate and effective implementation of laws that seek to ease the burden on Filipinos, especially those who are most vulnerable and in need of government assistance.
On 6 December 2024, Republic Act 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which we principally authored and co-sponsored, was signed into law. This law mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in cities and municipalities nationwide. The law seeks to provide safer and more dignified temporary shelters for families displaced by calamities, with access to basic needs, including sanitation, health care and other essential services.
Nearly two years in, the public expects that implementation of this law is already visible and in place. However, during my visits to fire-stricken communities and other disaster response activities with my team, I continue to see families taking shelter in covered courts and makeshift evacuation facilities, often relying on portable toilets and other temporary arrangements.
These conditions are particularly concerning because evacuation centers should not expose already vulnerable families to additional hardships. Displaced individuals should have access to clean water, proper sanitation and adequate facilities while they recover from the effects of a disaster.
As vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, I consider this a public health concern. Children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable individuals are especially at risk of illness when they are forced to stay in overcrowded facilities with inadequate sanitation.
With the help of my fellow lawmakers, I urge the executive department to promptly implement the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. As I have always emphasized, government funds are the money of the Filipino people.
Rest assured, we will closely oversee this to ensure public funds are properly utilized and not wasted on anomalous projects, such as ghost and flood control projects, that are being exploited by some for personal gain.
We are also pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which we refiled in the 20th Congress. We also filed Senate Bill 415, which proposes rental housing subsidies for qualified informal settler families and disaster victims to help them secure more stable living arrangements while recovering from calamities.
Through these initiatives, we continue to advocate for government programs that not only respond to immediate needs but also provide lasting solutions for vulnerable families and communities.
Meanwhile, during the previous week, right after the holidays, we personally visited various families in need. On 3 November, we were in Lupon, Davao Oriental, to assist 560 barangay health workers and functionaries with Board Member Don Montojo, Lupon Mayor Santos Alonzo and Lupon Vice Mayor Atty. Christian “Chrence” Go.
The next day, we flew to the Visayas and assisted 104 fire victims in Barangay Labogon in Mandaue City. We were joined by Congresswoman Lolypop Ouano, Mayor Jonkie Ouano, Congresswoman Girlie Veloso and other local officials. We then distributed additional assistance to 308 fire victims from various barangays in Cebu City, together with Mayor Nestor Archival. The beneficiaries also received help from the national government to procure materials to rebuild their homes.
On the same day, 128 fire-affected residents in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, also received assistance from our office.
Additionally, on 5 November, we were in Mindanao again as we went to Cagayan de Oro City to attend the joint turnover of the Super Health Center in Barangay Kauswagan and the neighboring Senator Nene Pimentel Barangay Economic Enterprise Building. Afterward, we headed to Piaping Puti in Barangay Macabalan to distribute additional assistance to 500 families who lost their homes due to fire. The residents also received housing materials assistance from the national government.
On 6 November, we joined the Year-End and Christmas Celebration of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas in Pasay City, together with around 80 Liga chapter presidents from different parts of the country. We recognized our barangay officials as “superstars in their own right” for their dedication and sacrifices in serving their fellow Filipinos. We also reminded them that regardless of our positions, whether councilors or board members, we all share the same responsibility to serve our people to the best of our abilities.
The following day, 7 November, we attended the opening ceremony of the inaugural basketball season of the United Collegiate and Schools Athletics Tournament (UCSA), with 37 participating teams, including those from Pampanga, Laguna and Pangasinan.