Photo credit: Bong Go

The Senate just took a big step forward in protecting Filipino families during times of crisis. They’ve given the green light to Senate Bill No. 2451, also known as the *Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act*. This means that soon, every city and municipality across the country will have its own mandatory evacuation center, providing a secure place for people displaced by natural disasters to take refuge.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, one of the principal authors and co-sponsors of the bill, couldn’t contain his gratitude after the Senate’s approval of the measure. During a plenary session, Go thanked his fellow senators, especially Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, for prioritizing the much-needed legislation.

“As the principal author of this measure, I want to commend our colleagues and congratulate the sponsor of this bill, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, for prioritizing it,” Go said, clearly elated by the milestone.

He pointed out that the Philippines, being prone to natural disasters, urgently needs these permanent evacuation centers to provide a safer and more dignified refuge for affected families. Drawing from his own experiences visiting disaster-stricken areas, Go emphasized how evacuees often have no choice but to seek temporary shelter in schools, gyms, and covered courts—facilities that lack basic necessities and disrupt the daily lives of students and communities.

“Sa kakaikot ko po sa buong bansa, nakita ko po tuwing may bagyo, baha, lindol, putok ng bulkan, nagagamit po ang mga eskwelahan, mga covered court, mga gym, at naaantala po ang pag-aaral ng mga estudyante,” he shared.

Go expressed concern over the poor conditions evacuees endure in these makeshift shelters. Many suffer from illnesses due to lack of proper sanitation and exposure to the elements, which takes a toll on their health and well-being.

“At wala pong komportable at maayos na evacuation center. Ang iba ay nagkakasakit at yung iba po'y nauulanan pa habang nandidyan yung bagyo,” he lamented, urging for the immediate establishment of clean, well-equipped, and secure evacuation centers.

The *Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act* aims to change this scenario by paving the way for the construction of mandatory evacuation centers that can accommodate the basic needs of disaster victims. These centers will offer a safe environment where displaced families can start their recovery before returning to their homes.

“With this bill, we will now have evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities that will cater to the basic needs of the victims of these disasters and provide them temporary shelters that guarantee their safety and well-being,” Go explained.

Through this initiative, Go believes the government can restore a sense of dignity to evacuees during challenging times. “Tiyakin po natin ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng ating evacuees. Iangat natin ang dignidad ng mga kababayan natin na nasa krisis po. Mahirap pong maging mahirap at walang komportableng pagpapahingahan habang hindi pa sila nakakabalik sa kanilang mga pamamahay,” he urged.

Aside from this bill, Go continues to advocate for stronger disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. He’s also pushing for Senate Bill No. 188, which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) to ensure a more coordinated and proactive approach to disaster management.

“Long overdue na po itong bill na ito,” Go said, hoping that the measure will soon become law and provide lasting benefits to Filipino families, especially those living in disaster-prone areas.