SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go underscored his continuing legislative work to strengthen the Philippines’ disaster preparedness, response, and resilience mechanisms as the nation observes National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) this July, adopting the theme “Kumikilos para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, at Katatagan” (Acting for Readiness, Safety, and Stability).
Go emphasized the need for continuing reforms to protect the lives and welfare of Filipinos facing increasingly frequent and devastating calamities.
“We must scale up our preparedness to resiliency against disasters. It’s high time to establish a dedicated department that will focus on these calamities,” said Go.
The senator noted that the Philippines’ geographic location makes this task even more urgent. Situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire—a seismically active zone encircling the Pacific Ocean—the country is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons.
This natural exposure is now compounded by the worsening effects of climate change, which are intensifying the frequency and severity of weather-related disasters. Rising sea levels, erratic rainfall patterns, and stronger typhoons underscore the need for a more robust and coordinated national disaster response framework.
In this regard, he reminded Filipinos of the urgency of reinforcing institutional preparedness, especially as disasters expose structural gaps in governance and community protection.
He reiterated key legislative proposals pending in the 20th Congress, alongside past efforts that reflect the need for sustained focus on disaster risk reduction.
Among the landmark accomplishments he highlighted is Republic Act No. 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, a law from the 19th Congress that Go authored and co-sponsored. The measure institutionalizes the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient, and fully equipped evacuation centers nationwide.
Turning to the 20th Congress, and at the core of his proposals is his filed Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act.
“Dapat may departamento na tutok talaga sa ganitong klaseng krisis—handa, may malinaw na sistema at klarong mandato na pinangungunahan ng secretary-level na magsisilbing timon sa panahon ng sakuna,” Go explained.
Go also reaffirmed his focus on addressing the immediate housing needs of disaster victims through the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Program, contained in his filed SBN 415.
“It aims to provide temporary housing assistance to affected families while they strive to get back their lives and find a permanent residence,” Go said.
Recognizing the risks faced by disaster responders, Go likewise refiled SBN 669, or the Hazard Pay for Disaster Personnel bill.
“Let’s not forget our disaster responders—they are the ones who wade through floods and save lives while we look for our own safety,” explained Go.
He called attention to his filed SBN 666, or the New Building Code bill, which seeks to revise and update outdated national construction standards to ensure that structures can withstand modern environmental challenges.
