Posted: December 6, 2024
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 12076, otherwise known as the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, and RA No. 12077, otherwise known as the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters Emergencies Act, in a ceremonial signing held at the Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace, Manila, 06 December 2024.
RA 12076 mandates the establishment of fully equipped evacuation centers nationwide to provide secure, temporary accommodation to disaster-affected residents. The evacuation centers will be fully equipped with sleeping areas, health care stations, sanitation facilities, and provisions for livestock, and will prioritize high-risk and disaster-prone areas.
While RA 12077 provides financial relief to students and their families during and after calamities by suspending student loan collections without penalty and interest to allow them to focus on their recovery and studies. The law is meant to provide a lifeline to students, particularly those from underprivileged families, to continue their studies even after a disaster.
In his message, President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the long-standing issue of schools being used as evacuation centers, which hampers their primary purpose of fostering learning and creativity. He assured the Department of Education (DepEd) that schools will now solely focus on promoting students’ welfare and development.
President Marcos Jr. also dorected the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to extend all forms of assistance to students and ensure their financial hardships will not hinder completion of their education.
Finally, President Marcos Jr. enjoined everyone to allow the new laws to lead us to become a truly disaster-responsive Bagong Pilipinas—one that reflects the innate strength and resilience of the Filipino people.
Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) Secretary Mark Llandro L. Mendoza, together with other PLLO officials and staff, attended the said ceremonial signin
