To expedite the delivery of relief goods and supplies during crises and natural disasters, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada proposed the creation of a nationwide network of food banks and stockpiles.
These hubs will store non-perishable food, potable water, medicines, and essential supplies for immediate deployment to affected areas, he stated.
“Disaster preparedness must include maintaining readiness even during normal times, especially in a disaster-prone country like ours. Many times, the delivery of relief goods has been delayed due to accessibility issues in the affected areas. If we have food banks nationwide, we can ensure that there will be resources available to distribute to our fellow citizens during times of calamity,” Estrada remarked.
Estrada’s Senate Bill No. 2860, known as the proposed Disaster Food Bank and Stockpile Act, aims to establish a central repository and supply reserve for food, water, critical medical supplies, and other essential goods. This includes portable power sources, light sources, first aid kits, clothing, tents, and communication devices.
These facilities will be located in every province and highly urbanized city across the country to provide basic and supplementary support during disaster response and recovery operations.
“We also want to avoid a repeat of what occurred during the health crisis when the country lacked a sufficient domestic inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE), which could have slowed the spread of the disease early on and saved lives,” he noted, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the proposed Act, the shelf life of the supplies should be at least two years and sufficient for all constituents for a minimum of three weeks after a calamity.
Priority for establishing food banks and stockpiles will be given to island municipalities, hard-to-reach areas, and 4th to 5th class municipalities.
A first-in, first-out system or a similar arrangement will be adopted for the utilization and deployment of the stockpile.
Estrada explained that items and materials nearing their expiration dates will be donated and transferred to appropriate agencies and institutions such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), government hospitals, and local government units (LGUs) for immediate distribution to indigent citizens, with provisions for immediate replenishment.
The proposed food bank and stockpile structure will be housed in secure, calamity-proof warehouses managed jointly by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the DSWD.
“The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and we have seen time and again how delays in the delivery of aid can exacerbate the suffering of our people. By establishing disaster food banks, we can respond quickly, efficiently, and effectively to the needs of our citizens, ensuring that no Filipino is left hungry or helpless during a crisis,” Estrada concluded.
