House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III has called for an immediate overhaul of local disaster preparedness and urban planning, stressing the critical need to prepare for sudden geological threats like earthquakes alongside seasonal typhoons and flooding.
Following an inspection of communities recently devastated by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake, Dy pointed out that while tropical cyclones provide advance warnings, seismic activities demand a higher level of preemptive infrastructure and enhanced local government strategies.
“Kapag may bagyo, nakakapaghanda tayo kung gaano kalakas yung bagyo o typhoon. Pero pagkadating ng earthquake, importante lamang malaman natin kung nasan yung sentro, kung san tatama. Para sa ganun, ang pagpaplano ng local government unit ay maiayos,” Dy explained.
The House leader pressed local officials to implement a comprehensive approach to disaster mitigation by actively mapping out multi-hazard zones in town planning to minimize risks and safeguard lives.
“Katulad na kung halimbawa ay yan ay prone sa hindi lang sa earthquake kundi sa landslide, prone sa flood. Para sa ganun makaiwas tayo sa mga aksidente. At sana laging unahin natin ang kapakanan at kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino,” he stated.
During his visit, Dy assured affected residents that the House of Representatives would guarantee full financial coverage for the medical bills of all earthquake victims, regardless of whether they were treated in public or private hospitals.
He added that regional lawmakers are already conducting structural damage assessments to ensure that rehabilitation funding is integrated into the proposed 2027 national budget.
The Speaker extended his solidarity and encouragement to the displaced families, promising continuous government assistance during the recovery phase.
“Kami po ay nakikiisa at nakikiramay at makakaasa po kayo sa amin pong patuloy na pagtulong para matiyak na makabangon po tayo ng sabay sabay sa problema na to.”
Dy concluded his address by appealing for national cooperation, emphasizing that unity is essential for the country to recover from the disaster.
“Ang importante po dito, bilang mga Pilipino maging matibay po tayo. Babangon po tayo, sama-sama. Ito po yung importante, yung kooperasyon at tulungan ng bawat isa.”