PBBM TO SIGN SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ-BACKED ‘LIGTAS PINOY CENTERS ACT’ FOR NATIONWIDE DISASTER-RESILIENT EVACUATION SHELTERS

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is expected to sign soon a landmark bill establishing a network of permanent, storm-resilient evacuation centers nationwide, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez announced Sunday (03 Nov 2024).

The proposed “Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act,” championed by Speaker Romualdez and fellow lawmakers, mandates the construction of fully equipped, disaster-ready evacuation centers in every city and municipality across the Philippines.

Designed as safe havens for millions of Filipinos, these facilities aim to provide secure refuge as the nation faces increasingly frequent and severe climate-driven calamities.

Following the devastation of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, Romualdez described the proposed law as “a lifesaving shield” for Filipino families facing extreme weather.

“The destruction brought by recent storms underscores the urgent need to act,” said Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus-member House of Representatives.

“The Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act represents our commitment to safeguarding every Filipino in times of crisis, ensuring that each city and municipality will have a secure, fully equipped center to shelter and support evacuees,” he added.

Formally designated as House Bill (HB) No. 7354 and Senate Bill (SB) No. 2451, the measure is currently in the process of enrollment and will soon be sent to President Marcos for his signature.

The legislation mandates that each center be constructed to withstand increasingly severe climate events affecting the Philippines, with facilities built to endure typhoon winds up to 300 kilometers per hour and seismic activity up to an 8.0 magnitude.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will lead the construction of these centers in coordination with local governments, adhering to the strict standards of the National Building Code.

Priority will be given to high-risk, disaster-prone areas, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) acting as the lead implementing agency and coordinating with local governments to identify the most urgently needed sites.

Facilities will include sleeping areas, health care stations, shower and toilet facilities, and spaces for children and women, ensuring full accessibility for people with disabilities.

“Each center will be a stronghold where communities can find safety, comfort, and the essentials they need during an emergency,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“These centers are more than buildings; they are our nation’s promise to leave no Filipino unprotected,” he added.

The proposed law also allows local governments to designate existing structures as evacuation centers, provided they meet resilience and accessibility requirements.

In addition to essential amenities, each Ligtas Pinoy Center will include sanitation facilities, food preparation areas, emergency power, and designated areas for livestock — recognizing the importance of animals to many Filipino families’ livelihoods.

Speaker Romualdez emphasized that this legislation is a significant step in the government’s broader climate resilience strategy.

The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, experiences typhoons, floods, and earthquakes annually, displacing thousands.

The Act responds to calls from local communities for safe, resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding natural and human-induced calamities.

“We are building a future where our communities can endure, where our families are safe, and where our nation stands ready to face the escalating impact of climate change,” the Speaker said.

“The Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act is both a reflection of our resolve and a beacon of hope for a safer, more prepared Philippines,” he added.

The legislation will initially draw from current appropriations, with ongoing support included in the national budget to ensure the construction and maintenance of the centers.

Once enacted, the Act is expected to roll out over the coming years, providing permanent, climate-resilient shelters to communities across the Philippines.

“This Act sends a clear message to every Filipino: in times of crisis, your safety and dignity are our priority,” Romualdez said. “With the Ligtas Pinoy Centers, help is near, and refuge is certain.”

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