PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to sign a landmark bill establishing a network of permanent, storm-resilient evacuation centers nationwide.

This was announced by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez adding that the proposed “Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act,” mandates fully equipped, disaster-ready evacuation centers in every city and municipality across the Philippines.

These facilities are designed as safe havens for millions of Filipinos, offering secure refuge as the nation braces for increasingly frequent and severe climate-driven calamities.

As the country grapples with the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, Romualdez described the proposed law as “a lifesaving shield” for Filipino families facing extreme weather.

“The devastation of recent storms shows us the urgent need to act,” the House leader added.

The Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act represents our commitment to safeguarding every Filipino in times of crisis, ensuring that each city and municipality will have a secure, fully equipped center to shelter and support evacuees.

Formally designated as House Bill (HB) No. 7354 and Senate Bill (SB) No. 2451, the measure is currently in the process of enrollment and will soon be sent to President Marcos for his signature.

The legislation mandates that each center be constructed to withstand the increasingly severe climate events impacting the Philippines.

Facilities will be built to endure typhoon winds up to 300 kilometers per hour and seismic activity up to an 8.0 magnitude.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will lead the construction of these centers in coordination with local governments, adhering to the strict standards of the National Building Code.

Under the bill, priority will be given to high-risk, disaster-prone areas. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as the lead implementing agency, will coordinate with local governments to determine where new centers are most urgently needed.

Facilities will include sleeping areas, health care stations, shower and toilet facilities, and spaces for children and women, ensuring full accessibility for people with disabilities.

“Each center will be a stronghold where communities can find safety, comfort, and the essentials they need during an emergency,” Romualdez said.

“These centers are more than buildings; they are our nation’s promise to leave no Filipino unprotected,” he stressed.

The proposed law also allows local governments to designate existing structures as evacuation centers, provided they meet the resilience and accessibility requirements.

In addition to essential amenities, each Ligtas Pinoy Center will include sanitation facilities, food preparation areas, emergency power, and even designated areas for livestock — recognizing that many Filipino families evacuate with animals essential to their livelihood.

This legislation represents a significant step in the government’s broader climate resilience strategy, according to the Speaker.

The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations, experiences typhoons, floods, and earthquakes annually, displacing thousands.

The Act responds to repeated calls from local communities for safe, resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural and human-induced calamities.

The legislation will initially draw from current appropriations, with ongoing support included in the national budget to ensure the construction and maintenance of the centers.

Once enacted, it is expected to roll out over the coming years, providing permanent, climate-resilient shelters to communities across the Philippines.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas