MANILA, (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. held a ceremonial signing on Friday, December 6, at Malacañan Palace for two significant pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing support for citizens during times of disaster and emergency.
The first measure, Republic Act 12076 or “An Act Establishing Evacuation Centers for Every City or Municipality and Appropriating Funds Therefor,” or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which establishes designated centers across the country that will provide essential services and resources to affected communities during disasters.
“This measure provides for the establishment of safe, fully equipped and fully operational temporary shelters in all cities and municipalities throughout the country for people displaced in times of natural and human-induced disasters,” the measure reads.
The centers will serve as hubs for relief efforts, ensuring that vital assistance reaches those in need promptly.
In addition, the President signed the Republic Act 12077 or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which temporarily suspends loan repayments for students affected by natural calamities and emergencies.
This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens on students and their families during challenging times.
“This measure provides temporary relief to Filipino students who are burdened with loan liabilities amid crisis situations, such as natural or man-made calamities and emergencies,” it reads.
Both measures emphasize the government’s commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring their welfare in the face of adversity.
Marcos said these measures will be crucial in providing immediate support and relief to Filipinos affected by disasters and emergencies.
“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,” President Marcos said.
“Investing in these climate-resilient facilities must be the norm; for we are not only protecting the people’s lives, but also capacitating our local government units to respond, to reduce, and to manage the risks of disasters,” he added.
The signing event was attended by various government officials and stakeholders, including Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who expressed their support for the initiatives aimed at promoting resilience and recovery in disaster-stricken areas.
Also in attendance were various university and college officials and students from across the country. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photos: RTVM Facebook screenshot)
