Disaster-resilient evacuation centers across the country are set to become a reality following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act into law.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) stated that this landmark measure represents a vital step forward in addressing the challenges faced by communities repeatedly battered by disasters and calamities.
It enhances our nation’s preparedness and response mechanisms to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
“The signing of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act reflects our steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and providing relief to families affected by calamities,” President Marcos stated.
“Investing in these climate-resilient facilities must be the norm, for we are not only protecting our people’s lives but also empowering our local government units to respond effectively, reduce, and manage disaster risks.”
As a key initiative of the OCD, this new law mandates the construction of permanent and disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality across the nation. These centers are designed to withstand typhoon winds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (kph) and seismic activity of up to magnitude 8.0.
The Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act is aimed at reducing reliance on schools as evacuation centers by establishing climate-resilient facilities nationwide. This will ensure that educational institutions remain operational and can better serve their primary purpose, even in times of crisis.
The evacuation centers will be fully equipped with sleeping areas, healthcare stations, sanitation facilities, and provisions for livestock, prioritizing high-risk and disaster-prone areas.
The legislation also establishes minimum standards for the construction, maintenance, and operation of these evacuation centers, aligning with internationally accepted norms and principles.
The President urged the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure the timely construction of evacuation centers in priority local government units (LGUs). This must adhere to the required minimum standards, including the National Building Code, while considering the unique needs of each LGU.
“The standards for these centers will be significantly higher, ensuring that those who seek refuge do not become victims when evacuation facilities fail in the face of severe weather,” the President added.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is the principal author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill 2451, which proposed the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada serves as the principal sponsor. Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez principally authored the House version of the bill, with co-authorship from his fellow congressmen.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), through the OCD, will serve as the lead implementing agency for this law. The NDRRMC will develop a set of minimum design standards for the evacuation centers, taking into account available lot sizes, site features such as climate and topography, as well as social attributes like culture and history, along with emerging health concerns.
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing the legislation.
“The establishment of permanent evacuation centers across every city and municipality is not just a legislative achievement; it is a testament to our collective resolve to protect the most vulnerable among us. Your recognition of the urgent need for dedicated, resilient spaces for those affected by disasters reflects a profound understanding of the challenges faced by our communities,” Nepomuceno remarked.
“Your commitment to establishing robust evacuation centers will ensure that our citizens have safe havens during times of crisis, allowing them to rebuild their lives with dignity and support.”