Amid ongoing monsoon rains causing widespread displacement, Senate President Win Gatchalian has called for the urgent construction of dedicated, permanent evacuation centers across all cities and municipalities nationwide.
Gatchalian emphasized the strict implementation of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, a law directing local government units (LGUs) to establish fully equipped, resilient shelters for families fleeing natural disasters and unexpected emergencies.
“Ipinasa natin ang Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act upang tiyaking may ligtas na mapupuntahan ang ating mga kababayang nasalanta ng mga kalamidad,” the Senate leader said.
“Kailangang tiyakin nating maipapatayo ang mga evacuation centers alinsunod sa mandato ng batas para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.
The Senate leader highlighted that relying on school facilities during calamities creates severe disruptions to education.
While standard estimates show that 522 classrooms across 134 schools can temporarily shelter up to 2,815 families, Gatchalian noted that purpose-built shelters would eliminate this practice and prevent delays in resuming post-disaster classes.