Disaster-resilient evacuation centers nationwide are set to become a reality following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of the landmark Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. This historic legislation addresses the urgent need to safeguard communities frequently devastated by disasters, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the nation’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
“The signing of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act reflects our steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and providing relief to families affected by calamities,” said President Marcos. “Investing in climate-resilient facilities must be the norm, for we are not only protecting lives but also empowering local government units to effectively manage disaster risks.”
A flagship initiative of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the law mandates the construction of permanent, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality across the Philippines. These state-of-the-art facilities are engineered to endure typhoon winds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (kph) and seismic activity of up to magnitude 8.0.
By establishing these centers, the Act also aims to reduce the reliance on schools as temporary shelters, ensuring educational institutions can continue their primary function even during crises. The centers will include designated sleeping areas, healthcare stations, sanitation facilities, and even provisions for livestock, prioritizing disaster-prone areas.
The legislation sets stringent standards for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the evacuation centers, aligned with internationally recognized norms. The Department of Public Works and Highways has been tasked with ensuring timely construction while adhering to the National Building Code and addressing the unique needs of each local government unit (LGU).
“These centers will meet the highest standards to ensure that those seeking refuge are safe, even in the face of severe weather,” President Marcos emphasized.
A Unified Effort to Build Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
The Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act emerged from the collaborative efforts of key lawmakers. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill 2451, with Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada serving as the principal sponsor. Speaker Martin Romualdez led the House counterpart, along with other principal and co-authors.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), through the OCD, will serve as the lead implementing agency, tasked with developing minimum design standards. These standards will consider factors such as climate, topography, culture, and health concerns to ensure the evacuation centers meet the diverse needs of affected communities.
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno praised the law’s passage as a milestone in disaster risk reduction. “The establishment of permanent evacuation centers across every city and municipality is not just a legislative achievement but a testament to our collective resolve to protect the most vulnerable among us,” he said.
Nepomuceno reaffirmed the OCD’s commitment to building a more resilient Philippines. “These centers will serve as sanctuaries during crises, enabling our citizens to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”
As the country recovers from recent calamities like Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act underscores the urgency of climate-resilient infrastructure. This legislation heralds a future where Filipinos can face disasters with greater safety, security, and preparedness.