AS NATION MARKS YOLANDA’S 11TH ANNIVERSARY, BONG GO PUSHES FOR DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE, MANDATORY EVACUATION CENTERS TO FORTIFY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

As the nation commemorates the 11th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda’s devastation (internationally known as Haiyan), Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the need for a stronger, unified approach to disaster response and resilience.

The catastrophic storm, which struck the Philippines in November 2013, left an indelible mark on the nation, causing over 6,000 deaths and incurring a staggering P95.48 billion in damages.

“Palagi kong binibigyang-diin ang pagiging bulnerable ng ating bansa laban sa mga natural na kalamidad. Sa loob ng isang taon, mahigit sa 20 bagyo ang dumaraan sa Pilipinas, pinakamarami sa lahat ng bansa sa Southeast Asia,” Go said.

Reflecting on the tragic events of Yolanda and other disasters that have struck the country, Go emphasized the critical necessity of having a dedicated disaster management through Senate Bill No. 188, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) Act, which he filed.

He envisions the DDR as a cabinet-level department, empowering it to effectively coordinate with local government units (LGUs) and other concerned government instrumentalities to ensure timely action from evacuation, prepositioning of supplies, and comprehensive disaster response, recovery and rehabilitation.

“Layunin ng panukalang ito na mapalakas ang ating kakayahan sa disaster risk reduction, paghahanda, pagtugon sa emergencies, at mabilis na pagbangon pagkatapos ng mga kalamidad. Kung saka-sakaling maisabatas, magkakaroon po ng departamentong nakatutok na may cabinet-secretary level na timon. Hindi lang coordinating council o task force,” he explained.

“Ibig sabihin, ito na po ang makikipag-coordinate bago dumating ang bagyo, preposition of goods, and coordination with LGUs para ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar. At pag-alis ng bagyo ay restoration of normalcy kaagad at rehabilitation efforts para tuluy-tuloy po silang makabangon,” added Go.

This anniversary comes amid increased calls for disaster preparedness and resilience, a vision Go has championed through his legislative work. He recalled his and former President Rodrigo Duterte’s immediate response in the wake of Yolanda, underscoring the urgency of disaster response.

“Panahon ng Typhoon Yolanda, isa kami sa unang dumating doon (ni dating pangulong Duterte). Kapag may bagyo o sakuna sa inyo, parati po akong tumutugon at tumutulong sa abot ng aking makakaya. Pinupuntahan ko po iyan mismo basta kaya ng aking katawan at panahon,” Go recounted.

Beyond the DDR, Go continues to advocate for initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience. Senate Bill No. 2451, which he co-sponsored and principally authored, seeks to establish Ligtas Pinoy Centers nationwide, designed to serve as mandatory, permanent evacuation facilities that are fully equipped to protect displaced families during emergencies.

“Dahil naipasa na ng Senado at Kongreso ang panukalang ito na tayo po ang principal author at co-sponsor, umaasa tayong maging ganap na batas na ito kapag pinirmahan ng Pangulo,” Go shared.

Unlike improvised, makeshift shelters, these centers will be built to withstand natural disasters and provide adequate facilities for those seeking refuge.

“Sa tuwing may kalamidad, laging ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan ang pinakaapektado. Panahon na para hindi lang tiyakin ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng ating mga evacuee, kundi iangat din ang kanilang dignidad. Dumadaan na nga sila sa krisis, ang mga naghihirap ay dapat huwag nang mas pahirapan pa,” he stressed.

Moreover, Go filed SBN 192, which seeks to institutionalize a Rental Housing Subsidy Program. This proposed measure aims to develop a housing and social protection program that offers disaster victims better and more affordable access to the formal housing market through government-provided rental subsidies if enacted.

As Yolanda’s anniversary serves as a somber reminder of the catastrophic impacts of calamities, Go’s proposed measures aim to bolster the nation’s defenses against similar tragedies. His efforts reflect a drive to secure safer, more resilient communities in the face of increasing climate risks.

“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.

Yolanda is recognized as one of the strongest tropical cyclones in world history, devastating entire regions with sustained winds that reached up to 195 mph and storm surges as high as 25 feet. The super typhoon devastated the Eastern Visayas region, particularly Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Biliran Island. Tacloban City in Leyte became a tragic symbol of the disaster, with storm surges wiping out entire communities.