Solon calls for intensified disaster preparedeness

By Jordan Domingo

Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-list Representative Raul Angelo Bongalon on Tuesday called for broader disaster preparedness and climate change mitigation measures to protect communities from the escalating severity of natural calamities.

In his privilege speech at the House of Representatives, Bongalon urged his fellow lawmakers to expedite the passage of pending AKB-backed bills aimed at addressing gaps in disaster response and enhancing community resilience.

“The onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine serves as a stark reminder that we must push for stronger, more comprehensive disaster preparedness programs and invest in sustainable infrastructure that can withstand the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters,” Bongalon said.

The AKB Party-list has filed several legislative measures aimed at strengthening disaster management systems, including:

House Bill 08350: Amending provisions of Republic Act No. 10121 to reinforce the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System;

House Bill 08463: Establishing disaster food banks and stockpiles in every province and highly urbanized city, with allocated funding; and

House Bill 10422: Introducing improvements to the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 to enhance disaster response and preparedness mechanisms.

Bongalon elaborated on the significance of these proposals:

“House Bill 08350 seeks to refine the organizational structure of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), ensuring it is more resilient and capable of immediate action. Severe Tropical Storm Kristine highlighted logistical challenges, such as blocked roads that isolated many regions from food and essential supplies. House Bill 08463 addresses this by guaranteeing strategic reserves of necessities for vulnerable communities,” he said.

He further emphasized that House Bill 10422 would strengthen the disaster risk reduction framework, making it better equipped to anticipate, respond to, and mitigate the effects of severe weather disturbances.

Bongalon pointed to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which caused unprecedented damage across the Bicol Region, as a clear indication of the critical gaps in the country’s current disaster preparedness and response systems.

“The storm exposed vulnerabilities in our disaster response efforts, and we must address these with urgency,” he said.

The congressman also underscored the need for long-term recovery measures, particularly for families, farmers, and fishermen who have suffered significant losses due to the storm.

“There are still thousands of families in need of sustainable rehabilitation, school reconstruction, and livelihood support. These people are the backbone of our economy, and their recovery must be a priority,” Bongalon stressed.

He also extended his gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Speaker Martin Romualdez for their quick and compassionate response in the aftermath of Kristine, noting their crucial leadership during the crisis.

Bongalon concluded by reminding his colleagues that the work to build a more disaster-resilient nation remains an ongoing effort requiring collective action and legislative support.