By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada is eyeing for the creation of a nationwide network of food banks and stockpiles for immediate deployment during calamities to affected areas.
“Disaster preparedness should include maintaining readiness even during normal times, especially in a disaster-prone country like ours. Maraming beses nang nangyari na naantala ang pagpapadala ng relief goods dahil may problema sa accessibility ng mga apektadong lugar,” Estrada said.
“Kung may food banks nationwide, makakaasa tayo na may maipamamahagi sa ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng kalamidad,” he added.
Estrada’s Senate Bill No. 2860, the proposed Disaster Food Bank and Stockpile Act, seeks to establish a central repository and supply reserve for food, water, critical medical supplies, and other essential goods such as portable power and light sources, first aid kits, clothing, tents, and communication devices in every area nationwide.
“We also do not want a repeat of what happened during the raging health crisis when the country did not have enough domestic inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE) which could have halted the spread of the disease early on and saved lives,” he said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under SBN 2860, the shelf life of the supplies should at least be two years and sufficient for all constituents for at least three weeks following a calamity.
Priority for prepositioning of the food banks and stockpile are island municipalities, hard-to-reach areas and 4th to 5th class municipalities, according to the bill.
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