Bicol Solons urge Senate to pass bill setting up evacuation centers in every LGU

House lawmakers from the Bicol Region called on their Senate counterparts to immediately approve the measure that would establish permanent evacuation centers in every local government unit (LGU) in the country.

Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda and Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy Co made the appeal amid the evacuations in the Bicol Region due to the intensifying unrest of Mayon Volcano, which is currently under an Alert Level 3.

Co stressed that permanent evacuation centers provided “immediate and temporary accommodation” for those affected by natural or human-induced disasters.

“The approval of this bill is of paramount importance in safeguarding the lives and well-being of our communities. The traditional practice of utilizing public schools as evacuation centers falls short in providing the necessary facilities to accommodate evacuees effectively. We must prioritize the safety of our people without compromising their education,” he said in a statement.

Salceda, on the other hand, said the establishment of these evacuation centers would enhance the country’s preparedness and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The solons thus urged the Senate to approve House Bill 7354, which was approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading in March.

This measure seeks to establish evacuation centers in every city and municipality in the country that would provide immediate and temporary accommodation for people displaced or evacuated from their homes due to disasters, calamities, or other emergencies.

It mandates the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to construct the evacuation centers, including the formulation of building specifications, as well as tasks the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in coordination with the local executives of provinces, cities, and municipalities, to identify areas to be given the highest priority in the establishment of new evacuation centers.

A total of 19,062 individuals or 5,492 families are currently staying in 28 evacuation centers, while 1,057 individuals or 300 families were seeking shelters outside of evacuation centers, amid Mayon Volcano’s continued unrest, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Sunday. — DVM, GMA Integrated News