(UPDATED)

The “Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act” signed by President Marcos Jr. on Friday, Dec. 6, will help the country address the lack of dedicated spaces for Filipinos affected by frequent disasters such as typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes among others.

This was the reaction of Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), to the enactment of the new law, which mandates the establishment of fully equipped evacuation centers nationwide to provide temporary but secure accommodation to disaster-affected residents.

“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,” Nepomuceno said.

The new law allows the establishment of permanent evacuation centers that are designed to withstand typhoon winds of up to 300 kilometers per hour and seismic activity of up to magnitude 8.0, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

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 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, and emerging health concerns.

The OCD head lauded the Chief Executive for his “unwavering leadership and vision in enhancing our disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.”

“The lessons learned from past calamities have highlighted the inadequacies of temporary shelters, which often fail to meet the specific needs of displaced families. Your commitment to building 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,” Nepomuceno noted.

The enactment of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act is a long time coming as the country is often beset by disasters. 

On average, about 20 typhoons hit the country every year as it is located along the "Typhoon Belt" in the Pacific Ocean, five of which are destructive. The state weather bureau had admitted that the storms are getting stronger due to the effects of climate change.

The country also sits in the “Pacific Ring of Fire” which makes it vulnerable to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. 

Whenever a calamity strikes, displaced residents are usually housed in evacuation centers but some of them had to settle in other makeshift shelters such as covered courts, classrooms, and multi-purpose halls established in the barangays.

To date, more than 21,000 people were still crammed in 138 evacuation centers nationwide due to the combined effects of Tropical Cyclones “Nika”, “Ofel”, and “Pepito” – which entered the country’s area of responsibility on Nov. 9, 12, and 15 respectively, based on a Dec. 6 data from the NDRRMC.

This equates to about 152 persons still living in a single evacuation center almost a month after the typhoons struck.

Nepomuceno said the new law recognizes the urgent need for dedicated, resilient spaces for those affected by disasters, and Marcos’ signing of it “reflects a profound understanding of the challenges faced by our communities.”

“As we look forward to the implementation of this vital law, let us remember the countless lives that will be touched by our efforts. Together, we can create a future where every Filipino feels secure and supported, no matter the circumstances. Your leadership inspires us all to strive for a more resilient nation,” he said.