Following reports of continued unrest of the Taal Volcano in Batangas, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday, March 29, urged residents in danger zones to heed the advice of officials to evacuate and follow precautionary measures being implemented in order to reduce risks in the event that the danger warning escalates.

In an interview after personally meeting with fire victims in Taguig City, Go emphasized the importance of cooperation among the different levels of the government as well as civil society and other key stakeholders in ensuring effective disaster management and response.

“Nakausap ko ang isang mayor at magpapadala kami ng tulong. Dating gawi na namin na tulungan ang mga evacuees. Importante mailikas sila sa ligtas na lugar. Kaya makinig tayo sa payo ng (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) kung kailangan na umalis. Huwag natin hintayin na nasa panganib ang ating buhay,” said Go.

The senator then reminded authorities to ensure the welfare of the affected residents. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reports that nearly 4,974 of the 5,688 residents from the danger zones are temporarily taking shelter in evacuation centers or with relatives or friends, as of March 29.

Meanwhile, Go once again advocated for the passage of measures that will help displaced victims of disasters, including Senate Bill No. 1228 which he filed in 2019 to provide for the establishment of an evacuation center in every province, city and municipality. It also outlines basic minimum requirements for each center, such as its location, amenities and operation.

“Dapat talaga magkaroon tayo ng sarili at maayos na evacuation center. Katulad nitong mga eskwelahan, gagamitin ito kapag bumalik na ang face-to-face classes. Kawawa naman ang mga kababayan natin. Dapat mayroon silang malinis at maayos (na lugar kung saan) makakapagpahinga sila bago sila bumalik sa kanilang pamamahay,” he remarked.

The lawmaker also noted another bill he filed in the same year, SBN 1227, which will provide displaced Filipinos with a rental subsidy so they can access decent housing as well as help them sustain their livelihood during the interim process of construction and relocation.

Among his other priority measures is SBN 205 which will streamline the country’s disaster preparedness mechanisms by establishing a Department of Disaster Resilience. If created, the department will provide a clear chain of command and more proactive and holistic approach in managing disasters and other emergency situations.

“Alam niyo mahabang proseso ‘yan sa Kongreso. Kapag nag-file, may hearing, committee report at dapat ang Lower House and the Senate ang magpapasa. Mahabang proseso bago pipirmahan ng Presidente kaya suwertihan kapag naipasa ang batas mo,” shared Go.

“Gayunpaman, hindi ako titigil sa pagsulong. Huwag na nating hintayin na may bagyo, lindol o pagputok ng bulkan … Kung mayroong departamentong nakatutok, madali ang koordinasyon. Halimbawa, kapag may sakuna, hindi mo na kailangan mag-antay ng ilang linggo. May validation, assessment at binibigay na agad ang tulong,” he pointed out.

Despite the numerous challenges before the approval of a bill, Go expressed optimism that his measures can be passed into law. He recalled his previous successes, such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last September.

The law, which he principally authored and co-sponsored in the Senate, mandates the BFP to implement a modernization program to strengthen its capability in responding to fire-related incidents and other disasters.

This includes the acquisition of modern fire equipment, expansion of the BFP’s manpower, and provision of specialized training for firefighters, among others. It also mandates the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in every local government unit.

“Pumasa na, sa tulong ni Senator (Ronald dela Rosa), mga kasamahan ko sa Senado at Kongreso ‘yung BFP Modernization Act. May karagdagang kagamitan, firefighters at monthly education campaigns para turuan ang mga kababayan natin na mag-ingat. Dahil sa isang bahay na nasusunog, ang daming kapitbahay ang nagdurusa. Dapat patuloy ang (fire prevention information) campaign upang turuan sila,” said the senator.