Go emphasized the need for continuing reforms to protect the lives and welfare of Filipinos facing increasingly frequent and devastating calamities.
“Kailangan na po talaga nating i-scale up ang preparedness to resiliency against disasters. Napapanahon na din na talagang magkaroon ng sariling departamento na nakatutok talaga dito sa mga ganitong pangyayari,” said Go.
The senator noted that the Philippines’ geographic location makes this task even more urgent. Situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire—a seismically active zone encircling the Pacific Ocean—the country is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons.
This natural exposure is now compounded by the worsening effects of climate change, which are intensifying the frequency and severity of weather-related disasters. Rising sea levels, erratic rainfall patterns, and stronger typhoons underscore the need for a more robust and coordinated national disaster response framework.
In this regard, he reminded Filipinos of the urgency of reinforcing institutional preparedness, especially as disasters expose structural gaps in governance and community protection. He reiterated key legislative proposals pending in the 20th Congress, alongside past efforts that reflect the need for sustained focus on disaster risk reduction.
Among the landmark accomplishments he highlighted is Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, a law from the 19th Congress where Go was the principal author and co-sponsor. The measure institutionalizes the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient, and fully equipped evacuation centers nationwide.
“Tayo po ay principal author and co-sponsor ng Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, upang matiyak na mayroong maayos, ligtas, at kumpletong evacuation centers na magagamit ang ating mga kababayan tuwing may sakuna. Hindi na dapat sa mga classroom o barangay halls pinapalikas ang mga tao,” Go explained.
Turning to the 20th Congress and at the core of his proposals is his filed Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act.
"Dapat may departamento na tutok talaga sa ganitong klaseng krisis—handa, may malinaw na sistema at klarong mandato na pinangungunahan ng secretary-level na magsisilbing timon sa panahon ng sakuna," Go explained.
“Madalas pong tamaan ng bagyo, lindol at iba pang kalamidad ang ating bansa. Kung may iisang ahensya po na nakatutok dito, mas maayos, mabilis at maaasahan ang serbisyong maibibigay ng gobyerno para rumesponde at ihanda ang bansa sa ganitong mga hindi inaasahang pangyayari,” he added.
Go also reaffirmed his focus on addressing the immediate housing needs of disaster victims through the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Program, contained in his filed SBN 415.
“Layunin nito na mabigyan ng pansamantalang tulong sa pabahay ang mga apektadong pamilya habang sila’y nagsusumikap na muling makabangon at makahanap ng permanenteng tirahan,” Go said, pointing out that displacement from disasters often leads to prolonged hardship and that government must offer viable solutions for temporary shelter.
Recognizing the risks faced by disaster responders, Go likewise refiled SBN 669, or the Hazard Pay for Disaster Personnel bill.
“Huwag nating kalimutan ang ating disaster responders—sila ang lumulusong sa baha at nagliligtas ng buhay habang lahat tayo ay nagtatago para sa ating kaligtasan,” explained Go.
“Kaya naman sa Senate Bill No. 669, layunin nating obligahin na bigyan ng hazard pay ang disaster responders at accredited community disaster volunteers tuwing may state of calamity,” he stated, stressing the need to protect and fairly compensate those who serve on the frontlines during emergencies.
Go’s approach to disaster resilience also extends to national infrastructure standards. He called attention to his filed SBN 666, or the New Building Code bill, which seeks to revise and update outdated national construction standards to ensure that structures can withstand modern environmental challenges.
In summarizing these measures, Go stressed their collective aim of institutionalizing a more resilient, responsive, and proactive national framework to protect communities from disasters and support them in recovery.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagtugon kapag nandiyan na ang sakuna. Mahalaga ang paghahanda bago pa man dumating ang panganib at ang tuluy-tuloy na suporta para sa mga biktima pagkatapos ng kalamidad,” he added.
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