Kasunod nang pananalasa ng Bagyong Odette sa central at southern Philippines, nanawagan si Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate sa Senado na bilisan ang pag-apruba sa kanilang bersyon ng panukalang magtayo ng evacuation centers sa bawat lungsod at munisipalidad.
Sinabi ni Zarate na sa ilalim ng inihain niyang House Bill 5259, na na-substitute ng House Bill 8990, ipinapanukala na ang mga itatayong evacuation centers ay dapat resistant sa mga bagyo, lindol at iba pang kalamidad upang hindi na manatili sa mga tent cities ang mga lilikas na apektadong residente.
“This is a departure from the common practice of using schools and multi-purpose halls as evacuation centers but are still in danger prone areas. The evacuation centers proposed by House Bill 5259 should also be located in between barangays so that more people can reach them at the soonest time and may also serve as the command center for disaster response,” ani Zarate.
“It should have a stockpile of food and water as well as isolation centers and clinics. It can also house generators and secured cell sites so that there would be communications even if other towers are down,” dagdag pa niya.
Marso ng kasalukuyang taon nang aprubahan ng Kamara sa pinal na pagbasa ang House Bill 8990 o ang An Act Establishing Evacuation Centers in Every City and Municipality, and Appropriating Funds Therefore.
