Mayon Volcano (Yves Eli Yu- Rep. Joey Salceda's Facebook)



Pointing to the current restiveness of Mayon Volcano that has displaced thousands, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda are urging the  Senate to quickly approve its version of the bill advocating the establishment of permanent evacuation centers in every local government unit (LGU) in the country. They said in a statement Sunday, June 18 that the current situation of Mayon and Bicol's frequent encounters with powerful storms highlight the necessity for these centers. "The approval of this bill is of paramount importance in safeguarding the lives and well-being of our communities," Co said. "The traditional practice of utilizing public schools as evacuation centers falls short in providing the necessary facilities to accommodate evacuees effectively. We must prioritize the safety of our people without compromising their education," he noted. The House of Representatives had earlier approved House Bill (HB) No.7354. Spearheaded by Martin Romualdez, seeks to establish evacuation centers in every city and municipality across the Philippines. Co says the permanent evacuation centers are crucial in providing immediate and temporary accommodation for individuals affected by natural or human-induced disasters. "It is essential that we have dedicated facilities in place to ensure the well-being and safety of our people during times of crises." Salceda, whose district was one of those adversely affected by Mayon's rumblings, agreed with his fellow Bicolano. "The establishment of these evacuation centers will enhance our preparedness and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. We must prioritize the approval of this bill to provide the necessary infrastructure that can adequately support our communities during calamities," Salceda said. The urgent need for permanent evacuation centers is underscored by the recent unrest of the Mayon Volcano, as highlighted by the Office of Civil Defense (ODC) spokesperson, Diego Mariano. Co added, "We need to take immediate action to protect the lives and welfare of our communities in vulnerable areas. By establishing permanent evacuation centers, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our people when faced with disasters." Once the Senate approves its version of the bill, the House members and senators will convene in a Bicameral Conference Committee hearing to harmonize the two versions. The resulting, consolidated bill will then be inked by the President.