BAYAN Muna lauded Republic Act (RA) 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, December 6.
However, former Bayan Muna Party-List congressman Karlos Ysagani Zarate said there is a need for a more comprehensive review of environmental policies to strengthen climate justice.
“While we welcome this development, we must address the root causes of these disasters. Kailangang busisiin ang epekto ng mining, logging, at hindi planadong urban development na nagpapalala sa mga sakuna. These evacuation centers, while necessary, should go hand in hand with genuine environmental protection and climate action, and justice” Zarate concluded.
While he described it as long overdue as the measure was pushed by the Makabayan bloc since the 16th Congress, he said it is a vital step towards disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
House Bill 3648 was filed by the group on Dec. 19, 2013, after Visayas was greatly affected by Typhoon Yolanda which recorded sustained winds of up to a record-breaking 315 kph.
Bayan Muna emphasized in the bill using school buildings as evacuation centers during the pre-emptive evacuation in some areas did not help as it was not spared and numerous evacuees died in the evacuation center.
“Matagal na naming isinusulong ito dahil hindi na dapat ginagamit ang mga paaralan, covered courts at iba pang non-resilient structures bilang evacuation centers na hindi rin ligtas at walang sapat na mga facilities para sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.
The former lawmaker stressed implementation must be closely monitored and facilities should be built according to standards, in strategic locations and will not become subject to the “caprices of patronage politics.”
“Mahalagang matiyak na ang mga evacuation centers na ito ay disaster-resilient at may sapat na facilities para sa mga pamilyang nasa evacuation. Hindi pwedeng bara-bara ang pagtatayo nito at depende sa gusto ng mga politiko dahil buhay ng ating mga mamamayan ang nakasalalay dito,” he stressed.
Republic Act (RA) 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act aims to establish a nationwide network of permanent, storm-resilient evacuation centers designed to withstand typhoon winds of up to 300 kph and seismic activity of up to magnitude 8.0.
These centers will prioritize high-risk and disaster-prone areas and will be equipped with sleeping areas, healthcare stations, sanitation facilities, and provisions for livestock.
The Department of Public Works and Highways must ensure the timely completion of the centers, and upgrading existing structures which will be turned over to the local government units for maintenance and management.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, chair of the committee on national defense and security, said in a press release that with the passage of the law, classes will no longer be disrupted during disasters.
“Kung may maaasahang ligtas na lugar sa panahon ng kagipitan o kalamidad, hindi na mag-aatublili ang mga kababayan natin na lumikas kung kinakailangan at magsumiksik sa mga gyms, paaralan o maging sa mga simbahan para pansamantalang may matutuluyan,” Estrada said.
According to the Philippine Development Plan, 35,648 classrooms in 11,522 schools have been used as evacuation centers, displacing teaching and learning activities in times of calamity.
