A senator has urged local government units (LGUs) to step up disaster preparedness measures as Typhoon Inday threatens parts of the country.
The solon called on LGUs to activate contingency plans, preposition relief supplies, and ensure that evacuation centers are ready to accommodate families who may be affected by the typhoon.
“Mahalagang paigtingin natin ang ating paghahanda at tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng bawat pamilya. Dapat maging maagap ang ating pagkilos upang maiwasan ang mas malaking pinsala,” Senate President Win Gatchalian said.
He said disaster response efforts should go beyond immediate preparations, stressing the need to fully implement the Ligtas Pinoy Act to establish safer and more resilient evacuation facilities nationwide.
The law, which Gatchalian co-authored, mandates the construction of dedicated evacuation centers in every city and municipality.
“Sa tuwing may sakuna paulit-ulit na suliranin ng mga apektadong pamilya ang paghahanap ng ligtas na matutuluyan dahil nasisira ang kanilang mga tahanan,” he added.
He noted that P3.745 billion has been allocated under the 2026 national budget for the construction of evacuation centers.
Under the Ligtas Pinoy Act, evacuation centers must be designed to withstand typhoon winds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, providing communities with stronger protection during severe weather events.