Press Release - Bong Go advocates for disaster preparedness during Liga ng mga Barangay - Northern Samar Chapter seminar in Pasay City

Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go stressed the importance of disaster preparedness in the Philippines during his attendance at the Liga ng mga Barangay - Northern Samar Chapter's Restricted Land Mobile Permit and Disaster Preparedness Operation seminar and workshop in Pasay City on Sunday, February 18.

Starting his speech, Go thanked the League for spearheading such a vital initiative. "I extend my sincere gratitude to the League for providing a platform where barangay officials can come together to train, learn, and improve their knowledge on disaster preparedness to ensure timely response and mitigation efforts during disasters," he said.

The Philippines' vulnerability to disasters was a key focus, with Go citing the 2022 World Risk Report that ranked the country at the forefront of disaster risk globally.

The islands of Samar and Leyte, in particular, are often battered by typhoons due to their location.

"The World Risk Report in 2022 showed that our country ranked first among the top 10 countries with the highest disaster risk," he noted.

Go then shared his legislative efforts to enhance the nation's disaster resilience, including authoring and co-sponsoring Senate Bill No. 2451, known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. He highlighted the importance of establishing mandatory evacuation centers across provinces and municipalities to provide safe havens with adequate sanitation, medicine, and comfort, especially for children.

Furthermore, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense, pushed for his proposed SBN 188 to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience. If enacted into law, the new department shall streamline disaster managenent efforts and concentrate on three key result areas: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better.

Go then specifically acknowledged LNB President for Northern Samar, Arturo Dubongco, and LNB Vice President for Northern Samar Councilor Beatriz Amande, and the barangay officials.

He also thanked Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan, recalling their shared history and the warm reception even during the Duterte administration. He also thanked Congressmen