MANILA, Philippines – Following Taal Volcano’s eruption that displaced thousands in Batangas and Cavite, Senator Francis Tolentino has filed a bill granting local government units (LGUs) the power to occupy or use private or commercial buildings, like restaurants or shopping malls, as evacuation centers. ADVERTISEMENTSenate Bill No. The bill also seeks the creation of an inter-local government unit response mechanism, which would include the identification and creation of permanent evacuation centers, safe refuge zones, evacuation routes and assembly points. ADVERTISEMENTIt is likewise aimed at providing transportation and accommodation during evacuation for persons and animals. The senator cited the 2019 Global Climate Risk Index which showed that the Philippines ranked fifth among countries in the world with the highest weather-related losses amounting to US$2.932 billion.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 21, 2020 01:41 UTC