President Marcos signed two major pieces of legislation, both intended to better insulate Filipinos against inevitable calamities amid climate change and environmental neglect.
During a ceremony at Malacañan Palace on Friday, the chief executive emphasized the importance of proactive measures as climate-related disasters grow more severe.
The first of the two laws enacted is the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of fully equipped evacuation centers in every city and municipality, designed to offer safe and secure shelter during emergencies.
“We do not wish for the frequent usage of such facilities and can only pray that we have fewer calamities. But nonetheless, we need to ensure that the evacuation centers sufficiently respond to the needs of our people affected by calamities and other such emergencies,” the President said.
He directed the Department of Public Works and Highways to expedite the construction of these centers, ensuring they adhere to high standards capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, a pressing concern given the increasing intensity of typhoons.
He acknowledged the ongoing appeal from the Department of Education to reduce the use of schools as evacuation centers.
The second law enacted Friday, is the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which temporarily halts loan payments for students affected by disasters without imposing penalties or interest.
Mr. Marcos described the law as a crucial step in alleviating the financial strain on families, allowing students to continue their education despite economic challenges.
“The benevolence of this law allows the disaster-affected students and their families to have a breathing space as they recuperate and rebuild their lives. It is our hope that this law will help lessen the financial burden off our students’ shoulders as they continue their schooling,” he said.
The President directed the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide support to students, ensuring that financial difficulties do not prevent them from completing their education.
He thanked lawmakers for swiftly passing the laws, calling it a testament to their commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the Filipino people.
Present at the ceremonial signing were Senate President Chiz Escudero, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and representatives of various universities and colleges.
Romualdez, the principal author of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, said that building fully-equipped evacuation centers across the country answers the public’s need for temporary shelter when forced to flee their homes during typhoons, flooding and other disasters.
“When these shelters are built, people will be aware of where to go when they need to evacuate. The centers will have the necessary facilities and supplies for them,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the moratorium on paying student loans after calamities supports the government’s goal of providing all learners with quality education despite climate challenges.
“The moratorium will be a big relief to students, both in public and private schools, including those run by local government units, in times of calamities, disasters, and similar emergency situations,” the Speaker said.
Under the newly signed law, the deferment of student loan payments would cover students enrolled in state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges, private higher education institutions, and public and private technical-vocational institutions whose residence is located in barangays, towns, cities, provinces, or regions under a state of calamity.
For his part, Senator Lito Lapid said the law is dedicated to Filipino families reeling from the effects of several typhoons.
“This law is dedicated to our students and their families. This is among several laws to help our countrymen who were badly affected by the calamities,” he said in Filipino.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “PBBM signs laws to build evacuation centers, placing moratorium on loans.”