Senators are optimistic that the signing into law of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act or Republic Act No. 12076 would soon put an end to the usual practice of local government units (LGUs) to use schools as temporary shelters during calamities or disasters and other kind of public emergencies.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who has been calling for the enactment of the measure since his first term as a senator, said he is optimistic that this development would end such practice, noting that the use of schools as temporary evacuation centers disrupts the safe resumption of classes.
The new law, a priority legislative measure, mandates the establishment of evacuation centers for every city and municipality.
Gatchalian said construction of evacuation centers in cities and municipalities nationwide will help LGUs ensure the safety of their constituents in times of emergencies.
“Ngayong pwede na nating patayuan ang bawat lungsod at munisipalidad ng evacuation center, mas matitiyak natin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng mga sakuna (Now we can construct evacuation centers in each city or municipality in the country, and we can ensure the safety of our people during calamities),” said Gatchalian in a statement on Friday, December 6.
“Dahil sa Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, darating ang araw na hindi na tayo gagamit ng mga classroom bilang evacuation center (because of this law, we will soon stop at using classrooms as evacuation centers),” he said.
Under the law, evacuation centers shall be strategically located in the community at a safe distance from danger areas or hazards.
These centers would be designed to provide immediate and temporary accommodation for people displaced from their homes due to human-induced or natural disasters and emergencies such as typhoons, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires, and outbreaks of disease, among others.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said that with the newly-signed law, Filipinos can now seek refuge in storm-resilient, fully-equipped, safe and decent evacuation centers that would be an ideal set up for displaced families affected by natural calamities, human-induced disasters or public health crisis.
“Hindi natin kontrolado ang kalikasan kaya dapat handa tayo sa pagbibigay ng masisilungan sa panahon ng kawalang-katiyakan (We have no control over nature, that’s why we need to be ready to provide shelter to our people during times of crisis),” Estrada said at the sidelines during the signing of RA 12076 in Malacañang.
“Sa tuwing may matitinding pagbagyo, lindol o pagbaha, ang evacuation centers ang magliligtas sa mga apektadong kababayan natin (Each time there is a typhoon, earthquake or flooding, these evacuation centers will keep our citizens safe),” added Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security.
The law provides minimum standards for the facilities and conditions of each evacuation center to ensure they are built in safe and accessible locations and is capable of withstanding super typhoons and seismic activity.
It also mandates essential amenities such as sleeping quarters, shower and toilet facilities, kitchens, health care stations, and standby power.
Under the law, the DPWH will be responsible for the construction of new evacuation centers and for upgrading existing structures, while the LGUs will be tasked to manage and maintain these hubs.
These centers can also serve as civic centers or multi-purpose buildings when not in use during disasters.