IN line with his commitment to improving disaster preparedness and resilience in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go attended the inauguration of the new evacuation center in Barangay Banquerohan, Legazpi City, Albay, on Thursday, June 6.
The new evacuation center, a significant infrastructure project funded through his efforts as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance in collaboration with the LGU and the Ang Probinsyano Partylist, is designed to provide a haven for residents during natural disasters and similar incidents.
During the event, Go emphasized the crucial role of the evacuation center, particularly in a region frequently impacted by typhoons and volcanic activities.
“Ang bagong evacuation center na ito ay simbolo ng ating pangako sa kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino. Sa pagtugon natin sa mga sakuna, mahalaga na mayroon tayong matibay na estruktura na maaasahan ang ating mga kababayan sa oras ng pangangailangan,” Go noted.
Being in the Bicol Region, Albay is notably vulnerable to various natural threats, including typhoons, floods, and volcanic eruptions from the active Mayon Volcano. This vulnerability necessitates well-equipped and readily accessible evacuation centers.
The new Legazpi City Evacuation Center is equipped with essential amenities and constructed to withstand severe weather conditions. Its strategic location in Brgy. Banquerohan ensures it is accessible to the most vulnerable populations.
Go’s involvement in securing advocating for the project underscores his dedication to disaster risk reduction and management.
“Matagal na po nating isinusulong ang pagkakaroon ng maayos at malinis na evacuation centers. Importante ito, lalo na bago pa dumating ang kalamidad. Para kapag tinamaan na ng sakuna, dapat may komportableng masisilungan sila, hindi ‘yung nagsisiksikan sa hindi angkop na lugar,” he explained.
In line with this, Go co-sponsored and is one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2451, also known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act. The bill, primarily sponsored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, aims to establish fully functional evacuation centers In strategic locations nationwide.
Previously, makeshift evacuation centers such as basketball courts, covered courts, and sometimes schools were commonly used and repurposed as temporary shelters. This situation often disrupts children’s education and compromises evacuees’ overall welfare.
“Hindi lamang ito nakakaapekto sa kanilang kalusugan at kaginhawaan, kundi sa kanilang kabuhayan po sa kanilang komunidad. Naantala rin ang pag-aaral ng mga bata tuwing nagagamit ang eskwelahan para sa evacuees,” Go pointed out.
“Kaya dapat sana, mayroon tayong nakahandang permanenteng evacuation centers na may malinis na sanitation at komportableng mahihigaan at matutulugan, at may maayos na comfort room, at mas maiwasan natin silang magkasakit. Huwag na natin pahirapan ang mga kababayan nating mga naghihirap. Bigyan natin ito ng solusyon bago pa dumating ang panibagong sakuna,” he added.
Aside from this measure, Go continues to push for the passage of his SBN 188, also known as the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) Act. This bill aims to establish a specialized agency committed to developing adaptable, disaster-resilient, and secure communities.
Meanwhile, Go thanked Governor Grex Lagman, Mayor Carmen Rosal, and Vice Mayor Bobby Cristobal, among others, for their support for the project and service to their constituents.
Aside from the evacuation center, Go supported other projects throughout the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Ligao City, Oas and Polangui; rehabilitation of several roads in Camalig, Daraga, Jovellar, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Pio Duran and Rapu-Rapu; and rehabilitation of flood control systems in Malilipot, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Malinao, Manito, Oas and Polangui.
“Hinding-hindi ko po sasayangin yung pagkakataong ibinigay n’yo po sa akin. Magtatrabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. At iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang aking bisyo sa pagseserbisyo,” said Go who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
During his visit, Go aided TODA members and cooperatives on the same day in Legazpi City. He likewise attended the 2nd Bicol Social Media Summit and the commencement exercises of the Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation, Inc.
