Go seeks mandatory evacuation centers

SEN. Christopher «Bong» Go sought the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers as he co-sponsored the proposed Ligtas Pinoy Centers law.

The senator co-sponsored last November 7 Senate Bill (SB) 2451 to support its passage as he stressed the need for preparedness in the face of disasters.

SB 2451 aims to establish permanent, well-equipped evacuation centers nationwide.

Go raised the importance of having dedicated evacuation centers equipped with emergency packs, including bedding, water, medicine, and other relief goods, prepared beforehand.

«As one of the authors of this measure, it is important that we have efficient and clean evacuation centers nationwide because disasters can happen at any time,» he said in Filipino.

He said that victims of typhoons, fire, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions usually endure life in cramped temporary shelters.

«They include vulnerable individuals, like children and senior citizens,» the senator added. «They have no comfortable beds, no clean comfort rooms, thus they are more vulnerable to illness, especially the children.»

Using schools as temporary evacuation centers often results in educational disruption, Go said.