By Liza Soriano
Senator Jinggoy Estrada wants to ensure that there will be evacuation centers in all cities that are typhoon-resilient and earthquake-proof.
Senate Committee on National Defense and Security has endorsed for plenary consideration Senate Bill No. 2451 or the proposed “Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act” which seeks to put up permanent, disaster-resilient, fully-equipped evacuation centers for all cities and municipalities in the country.
“Nais nating matiyak na ang mga itatayong evacuation centers ay matatag at magiging ligtas na silungan ng ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng kalamidad,” Estrada, committee chairperson said.
Estrada noted an assessment made in 2014 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF, a year after super typhoon Yolanda, which showed that only eight (😎 percent or 53 out of the 634 designated evacuation centers in Eastern Samar were deemed usable, while 166 were destroyed and 415 severely damaged.
In addition, the bill establishes minimal requirements for necessary infrastructure and settings, guaranteeing that these hubs are situated in secure regions, are easily accessible, and are resilient to super typhoons with wind gusts of at least 300 km/h and 8.0 magnitude earthquake activity.
Additionally, to ensure that evacuees live in humane conditions, it requires that certain amenities be included, including sleeping quarters, shower and toilet facilities, kitchen and dining areas, a health care station, women’s and children’s areas, standby power for lighting, and the ability to operate medical and communication equipment.
“Bukod sa pagsisiguro ng pagiging ligtas ng mga evacuation centers sa panahon ng kalamidad, dilubyo o public health crises, dapat rin na matiyak na disente ang pasilidad ng mga ito,” Estrada said.
(AI/MNM)
