MT. KANLAON ERUPTION UNDERSCORES HEALTH RISKS AND THE NEED FOR PROPER EVACUATION CENTERS, SAYS BONG GO

As Mt. Kanlaon erupted anew on December 9, spewing ash and sulfuric fumes that blanketed parts of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, health risks and safety concerns surged to the forefront. Thousands of residents, especially those within the six-kilometer danger zone, were forced to evacuate as volcanic plumes reached 4,000 meters high.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a crusader for health reforms and disaster preparedness, highlighted the urgent need for well-equipped and permanent evacuation centers to safeguard both the physical and mental well-being of evacuees during such unpredictable calamities.

“Kapag may ganitong sakuna, napakalaki ng epekto nito sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga bata, buntis, at matatanda. Kaya dapat lang na mag-invest tayo sa maayos na evacuation centers na may sapat na pasilidad at healthcare services,” Go said.

Go warned of potential respiratory illnesses caused by prolonged exposure to ashfall, including bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory infections. He reiterated the importance of vigilance and adherence to health protocols in evacuation centers to mitigate these risks.

“Napakahalaga na may access sa malinis na tubig, maayos na palikuran, at sapat na serbisyong pangkalusugan ang ating evacuees. Hindi dapat maging sanhi ng mas malalang problema ang mismong evacuation centers,” he said.

To address these recurring issues, Republic Act No. 12076 (Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act) was signed into law on December 6. The law, principally authored and co-sponsored by Go, mandates the establishment of permanent and fully equipped evacuation centers nationwide.

“Hindi pwedeng sa covered courts na walang sapat na bentilasyon at sanitation pinupuwesto ang ating mga kababayan. Ang mga evacuation centers na ito ang magiging sagot para maiwasan ang mga sakit at masiguro ang dignidad ng bawat Pilipino,” Go added.

He also renewed his advocacy for the passage of Senate Bill No. 188, which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). The proposed department aims to streamline efforts in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, ensuring a more coordinated approach to crises.

“Hindi lang po tayo dapat tutok sa relief, kundi dapat handa na tayo bago pa man dumating ang kalamidad. We must continue to improve mechanisms — from coordination among agencies and LGUs (local government units), the preposition of goods for relief, evacuation, rescue efforts, and up to rebuilding, recovery, and restoration of normalcy — to further protect lives,” Go explained.

He stressed that if enacted into law, the DDR could implement proactive measures and efficient resource management to reduce the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities.

Go also raised concerns about the psychological toll of disasters, particularly on children and vulnerable individuals. He called for improved mental health services in evacuation centers to help evacuees cope with the trauma of displacement.

“Bukod sa pisikal na kalusugan, dapat din nating bigyang-pansin ang mental health. Ang stress at anxiety ay karaniwan sa mga biktima ng kalamidad. Kaya mahalaga na merong mga counselors o psychological first aid na maibibigay sa kanila,” he explained.

In addition, Go emphasized the importance of ensuring education continuity for children affected by disasters. He lamented the frequent use of schools as temporary shelters, which disrupts classes and compromises the learning environment.

“Dapat hindi naaantala ang pag-aaral ng ating kabataan dahil sa kawalan ng tamang evacuation centers. Ang edukasyon ay susi sa kanilang kinabukasan, kaya kailangan nating tiyaking tuloy-tuloy ito kahit sa panahon ng kalamidad,” he said.

The recent enactment of RA 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act also reflects Go’s commitment to protecting Filipinos’ dignity during crises. The law, which he co-sponsored and co-authored, provides temporary financial relief for students with outstanding loans during calamities.

“Kailangan nating alalayan ang ating mga mag-aaral na naapektuhan ng sakuna. Hindi nila dapat iniisip pa ang utang sa gitna ng ganitong krisis. Ang batas na ito ay para siguraduhing mabibigyan sila ng palugit at mapagpatuloy nila ang kanilang pag-aaral,” Go explained.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and a staunch advocate for disaster preparedness, Go reiterated his commitment to advancing policies that prioritize public health and welfare.

“Proteksyunan natin ang kalusugan at dignidad ng bawat Pilipino. Hindi man natin mapigilan ang mga sakuna, pwede tayong maghanda para mabawasan ang epekto nito sa ating mga kababayan,” he said. “Patuloy po akong magseserbisyo para sa inyo, dahil naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo rin sa Diyos.”