Go, who is the principal author and co-sponsor of the law, stressed that permanent and fully equipped evacuation centers are essential in protecting vulnerable communities during disasters. The law mandates the establishment of disaster-resilient facilities in every province, city, and municipality to ensure that affected families have safe and dignified shelter.
During his visit to Cebu province on November 6, Go emphasized the importance of prioritizing evacuation centers in government planning and budgeting. He stated, “Matagal ko na po isinulong ito. (Ako po ang principal) author at co-sponsor ng Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. Ito po’y batas na maglalagay po ng mga evacuation centers sa mga siyudad at munisipyo. Napakahalaga po nito.”
He pointed out concerns about government spending practices, saying, “Dapat po’y unahin po ito sa budget ng gobyerno kesa nasasayang sa mga flood control na ginagawa pong gatasan ng ilang mapagsamantala. Please lang gamitin n’yo na lang po dito sa mga evacuation center. Dapat maayos, malinis, komportable, para hindi magkasakit ‘yung mga bata.”
Typhoon Tino, which exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Thursday, wrought widespread flooding and infrastructure damage across Cebu and nearby areas. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), at least 114 people have been confirmed dead, and 127 remain missing. Thousands were displaced, many forced to stay in makeshift or crowded temporary shelters.
Go remarked that climate change has made extreme weather events more frequent and destructive. He said, “panay na talaga ang dating ng bagyo, putok ng bulkan, baha, lindol, at sunog. Nakabalik po ako rito pagkatapos ng nakaraang lindol. Ngayon, baha na naman po.”
Aside from the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, Go has been advocating for the passage of Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience, which if enacted, seeks to unify and strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and rehabilitation under a single agency to improve coordination during calamities.
The senator reiterated that disaster resilience must be rooted in forward planning rather than reactive measures, especially as the country continues to face intensifying climate-related threats and geological hazards.
“Maging proactive po tayo. Magtulungan po tayo dahil ang pinaka-apektado sa ganitong mga sakuna ay ‘yung mga pinakamahihirap nating mga kababayan,” he appealed.