(POLITIKO) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has lauded the decision of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to establish permanent evacuation centers in every city and municipality.
“Kung may maaasahang ligtas na lugar sa panahon ng kagipitan o kalamidad, hindi na mag-aatublili ang mga kababayan natin na lumikas kung kinakailangan at magsumiksik sa mga gyms, paaralan o maging sa mga simbahan para pansamantalang may matutuluyan,” he said.
“Masisiguro na ang kaligtasan ng bawat pamilya, magkakaroon pa sila ng disenteng masisilungan. Mababawasan na rin ang bilang ng mga posibleng masawi tuwing may kalamidad,” added Estrada.
The senator issued the statement after Marcos signed into law Republic Act (RA) 12076 or the “Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act.”
“Hindi natin kontrolado ang kalikasan kaya dapat handa tayo sa pagbibigay ng masisilungan sa panahon ng kawalang-katiyakan. Sa tuwing may matitinding pagbagyo, lindol o pagbaha, ang evacuation centers ang magliligtas sa mga apektadong kababayan natin,” said Estrada.
The law provides minimum standards for the facilities and conditions of each evacuation center, ensuring they are built in safe and accessible locations, capable of withstanding super typhoons and seismic activity.
RA 12076 also mandates essential amenities such as sleeping quarters, shower and toilet facilities, kitchens, health care stations, and standby power.
Under the law, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be responsible for the construction of new evacuation centers and for upgrading existing structures.
On the other hand, the local government units (LGUs) will manage and maintain these centers, which can also serve as civic centers or multi-purpose buildings when not in use during disasters.