Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
December 6, 2024

“The signing of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act and the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act today reflects our steadfast commitment to protecting the rights of and providing relief to families and students affected by calamities,” remarked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. after the signing ceremony in Malacañan Palace.

President Marcos Jr. highlighted the significance of the new Laws in addressing the challenges posed by increasing climate-related disasters. He recalled the recent Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), where countries in the region came together to emphasize the need for more robust climate-resilient efforts.

He emphasized the necessity of having fully equipped, accessible and secure evacuation facilities to safeguard the lives of those affected by calamities.

“Investing in these climate-resilient facilities must be the norm; for we are not only protecting the people’s lives, but also capacitating our local government units to respond, to reduce and to manage the risks of disasters,” the President said.

He conveyed his gratitude to the legislators who championed these important measures, noting that the Laws were crafted with the people’s welfare in mind.

To ensure the Law’s successful implementation, the Chief Executive called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to expedite the construction of the evacuation centers in line with the National Building Code and local requirements.

He also urged the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to support students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to ensure continued access to education.

“Let these new laws lead us to become a truly disaster-responsive Bagong Pilipinas — one that reflects the innate strength and resilience of the Filipino people,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his speech.

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