House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook)

Citing the measure's urgency, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said that a landmark bill establishing a network of permanent, storm-resilient evacuation centers nationwide would soon be enacted by President Marcos. 

Romualdez was referring to the proposed “Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act,”  which he championed along with his congressmen-colleagues. It mandates fully equipped, disaster-ready evacuation centers in every city and municipality across the Philippines. 

Romualdez--arguably President Marcos' top lieutenant not just in the legislature but in the entire government--made this announcement Sunday, Nov. 3 even as parts of the country continued to grapple with the effects of typhoon "Kristine". 

“The devastation of recent storms shows us the urgent need to act,” Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, pointed out. 

“The Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act represents our commitment to safeguarding every Filipino in times of crisis, ensuring that each city and municipality will have a secure, fully equipped center to shelter and support evacuees,” he added. 

According to the Leyte 1st district congressman, proposed disaster-resilient facilities are designed as safe havens for millions of Filipinos, and offer secure refuge as the nation braces for increasingly frequent and severe climate-driven calamities. 

Ligtas Pinoy literally means "to save Filipinos". 

Formally designated as House Bill (HB) No. 7354 and Senate Bill (SB) No. 2451, the measure is currently in the process of enrollment and will soon be sent to Malacañang for signing. 

The legislation mandates that each center be constructed to withstand the increasingly severe climate events impacting the Philippines. Facilities will be built to endure typhoon winds up to 300 kilometers per hour and seismic activity up to an 8.0 magnitude. 

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will lead the construction of these centers in coordination with local governments, adhering to the strict standards of the National Building Code. 

Under the bill, priority will be given to high-risk, disaster-prone areas. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as the lead implementing agency, will coordinate with local governments to determine where new centers are most urgently needed. 

Facilities will include sleeping areas, health care stations, shower and toilet facilities, and spaces for children and women, ensuring full accessibility for people with disabilities. 

“Each center will be a stronghold where communities can find safety, comfort, and the essentials they need during an emergency. These centers are more than buildings; they are our nation’s promise to leave no Filipino unprotected,” Romualdez stressed. 

The proposed law also allows local governments to designate existing structures as evacuation centers, provided they meet the resilience and accessibility requirements. 

In addition to essential amenities, each Ligtas Pinoy Center will include sanitation facilities, food preparation areas, emergency power, and even designated areas for livestock — recognizing that many Filipino families evacuate with animals essential to their livelihood. 

The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, experiences typhoons, floods, and earthquakes annually. These calamities displace thousands at a time. 

The Speaker emphasized that this legislation represents a significant step in the government’s broader climate resilience strategy. Futhemore, it responds to repeated calls from local communities for safe, resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural and human-induced calamities. 

“We are building a future where our communities can endure, where our families are safe, and where our nation stands ready to face the escalating impact of climate change,” the Speaker said.