Disaster food banks
THE Philippines needs to ensure the speedy and efficient distribution of relief goods to disaster victims.
Every year, an average of 20 typhoons and storms batters the country, killing and injuring people and destroying billions of pesos worth of property, agricultural crops and infrastructure.
In some places, government authorities really find it difficult to reach disaster victims because many roads and bridges are destroyed by rampaging and murky floodwaters.
Aware of this, the House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a proposed legislation seeking the establishment of “disaster food banks” across this impoverished nation.
The bill is a consolidation of three related measures authored by party-list Reps. Michael Morden and Ivan Howard Guinto and Congressman Alan Ecleo of Dinagat Island.
Under House Bill (HB) No. 8463, a “Disaster Food Bank and Stockpile” will serve as the central repository of food, water, medicines, vaccines, clothing, tents and communication devices.
The setting up of “food banks” will be an inter-agency efforts involving the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Like other Filipinos, we agree with House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez of Leyte that there’s that urgent need to prepare for typhoons, storms and similar calamities.
By approving HB No. 8463 on third and final reading, the House of Representatives is showing that our congressmen – district and sectoral – are sensitive to public opinion.
