Weeks after a series of typhoons battered the Philippines resulting in numerous casualties, former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go told governors it is “high time” to build permanent evacuation centers in their respective areas.
“Panahon na pong may maayos tayong evacuation centers. Ilang beses na po na sa lugar ng gumuho ‘yong mismong pinupuntahan nila na akala safe, iyon pala ang guguho (It’s high time we have evacuation centers. We’ve witnessed several times that the places where people had sought refuge were the ones that eventually caved in),” Go told more than a dozen governors during the 7th League of Provinces of the Philippines – General Assembly of Governors in Manila recently, where he served as guest speaker.
“Panahon nang magkaroon ng safe evacuation centers na may sanitation na maayos, may higaan, at facilities na kumportable sila (It’s time to have safe evacuation centers that have a proper sanitation system, beds, and facilities that would make the people comfortable),” he added.
“It’s time to have safe evacuation centers that have a proper sanitation system, beds, and facilities that would make the people comfortable.”
Aside from providing comfort to Filipinos who may be affected by future typhoons that pass by the archipelago annually, Go said the establishment of such structures would also ease the burden on learning institutions, which are often used as makeshift evacuation centers.
“The establishment of such structures would also ease the burden on learning institutions, which are often used as makeshift evacuation centers.”
As a close confidante of the President until now, Go also requested elected officials to support the administration’s programs and goals to bring “real and genuine” change to the Philippines.
Go came straight to the assembly, following a speaking engagement during a luncheon meeting with a fisheries industry group at the Diamond Hotel, where he recognized the need to craft measures that will protect the fisher folks.
With fishing as an important industry in the Philippines, he also acknowledged the need to preserve the oceans and pursue sustainable ways to obtain resources from the seas.
“At present, we are having shortage on fish, particularly the galunggong or round scad. It may be time to rehabilitate our oceans,” the former presidential aide said.
“We should also protect our fishermen and strengthen the fight against illegal fishing,” Go said.
