MALACAÑAN PALACE, Manila — With the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) designated as the implementing agency for the new law that would help protect the people from future disasters, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to coordinate in establishing fully-equipped evacuation centers in every city and town across the archipelago.

President Marcos Jr. signed the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act together with the Student Loan Payment Moratorium during the Disasters and Emergencies Act held at Malacañan Palace and attended by Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero and the chief executive’s cousin House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other high-ranking government officials and guests.

In his message to the attendees, Marcos Jr. underscored the significance of having permanent evacuation centers to protect Filipinos, especially those in remote and flood-prone communities, before, during and after disasters.

“Last October, our country had the distinct honor of hosting the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Together with our partners and neighbors in the region, we came to the resounding conclusion that, as climate challenges intensify, so should our efforts,” he enthused.

“The signing of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act and the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act today reflects our steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and providing relief to families and students affected by calamities,” he added.

In ending, the President explained that the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act mandates the establishment in every city and municipality nationwide of evacuation centers that are fully equipped to provide temporary but secured accommodations for disaster-stricken citizens.

“We do not wish for the frequent usage of such facilities and can only pray that we have fewer calamities. But nonetheless, we need to ensure that the evacuation centers sufficiently respond to the needs of our people affected by calamities and other such emergencies,” he concluded.