A newly-signed law ensures the establishment of permanent, safe, and adequately-equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality in the country.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on December 6, 2024, signed into law Republic Act No. 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act of 2024, which could reduce the reliance on public school facilities by providing evacuation centers designed to meet the needs of displaced individuals during typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and other emergency situations.
According to Senator Lito Lapid, one of the authors of the law, it mandates the construction permanent evacuation centers which are safe and adequately equipped.
Lapid said that this is timely and a great help to fellow citizens who are often affected by consecutive calamities in the Philippines, especially since more than 20 typhoons pass through the country every year.
“This is timely to make evacuation centers safer and more resilient in areas frequently affected by disasters or calamities,” added Lapid.
Aside from that, strong earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions like those of Taal, Mayon, and Kanlaon have caused the destruction of homes and the loss of livelihoods for many of kababayans in those areas.
Lapid was elected as vice-governor of Pampanga, a year after Mt. Pinatubo erupted in June 15, 1991, spewing tons of lahar and destroying homes and properties of residents of Pampanga.
“I have had extensive experience in helping our fellow citizens, especially the rescue operations I conducted for the victims of Mt. Pinatubo when I was still the governor.” Lapid said. “The sacrifices and hardships of our fellow citizens, whose homes and livelihoods were wiped out by lahar back then, are truly invaluable,” he stressed..
Another example is the death of thousands of people and the destruction of houses and evacuation centers when super typhoon Yolanda struck Leyte and Samar on November 8, 2013.
According to the research firm GHD, the country’s economy will lose up to $124 billion from 2022 to 2050 due to storms, floods, and droughts.
