Several House members urged their counterparts in Senate to pass the bill, which seek to establish permanent evacuation centers in every local government unit (LGU), immediately.
The appeal was made by Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda and Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy Co amid evacuations in the Bicol Region due to the escalating unrest of Mayon Volcano, which is currently under Alert Level 3.
According to Co, permanent evacuation centers will provide "immediate and temporary accommodation" for individuals affected by natural or man-made disasters.
Meanwhile, for Salceda, the said evacuation centers would improve the country's readiness and resilience in the face of environmental issues.
With these reasons, the solons asked the Senate to pass House Bill 7354, which was approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading last March.
HB 7354 aims to build evacuation centers in every city and municipality across the country, providing urgent and temporary shelter for those who have been displaced or evacuated from their homes due to catastrophes, tragedies, or other situations.
The measure directs the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to build the evacuation centers, including the development of building specifications.
It also mandates the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to identify areas to be given the highest priority in the establishment of new evacuation centers in collaboration with the local executives of provinces, cities, and municipalities.
According to NDRRMC, a total of 19,062 people, or 5,492 families, are currently staying in 28 evacuation centers, while 1,057 people, or 300 families, are seeking shelter outside of evacuation centers due to Mayon Volcano's continued unrest.
