President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed into law the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act and the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters Emergencies Act, aiming to improve disaster preparedness and provide financial relief for students in calamity-hit areas.
The Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act mandates the construction of permanent evacuation centers capable of withstanding typhoon winds of up to 300 kilometers per hour and earthquakes of up to magnitude 8.0. These climate-resilient facilities will reduce reliance on schools as evacuation centers, allowing campuses to focus on students’ welfare and development.
“Investing in these climate-resilient facilities must be the norm,” said Marcos during the signing ceremony in Malacañang. He also directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prioritize the construction of these centers in compliance with strict safety standards.
Meanwhile, the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act offers loan payment deferrals for students in areas declared under calamity. The law provides relief to those enrolled in higher education and technical-vocational training programs, giving them time to recover during and after disasters.
“The benevolence of this law allows disaster-affected students and their families to have a breathing space as they rebuild their lives,” Marcos said. He tasked the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to support students affected by emergencies.
