By CESAR JOLITO III
Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has introduced a legislative measure aimed at strengthening the country’s resilience against the increasing threats of natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and typhoons, by ensuring faster repair and rehabilitation of critical public infrastructure.
Benitez filed House Bill No. 5202, also known as the Public Infrastructure Financing and Insurance Bill, which seeks to improve the financing, insurance, and management systems for the country’s infrastructure assets.
The measure aims to minimize the social and economic disruptions caused by damaged public facilities such as roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools.
“The repair of public works must be prioritized, especially given their constant exposure to worsening climate conditions,” Benitez emphasized.
“We are experiencing stronger typhoons and more frequent flooding, aside from the risks posed by earthquakes due to our being located in the Pacific Ring of Fire,” he added.
Benitez warned that delays in rehabilitating damaged infrastructure could lead to far-reaching consequences — including traffic congestion, supply chain interruptions, and disruptions in education and healthcare delivery.
“The recent spate of earthquakes and typhoons has highlighted the urgency of making sure our infrastructure is well-maintained, resilient and speedily repaired or rehabilitated,” he added.
Under the bill, a Disaster Risk and Financing Insurance Strategy would be developed to leverage both state and private sector resources, as well as global funding mechanisms, for disaster response and recovery.
The measure also proposes the creation of a National Disaster Response for Infrastructure Fund, with an initial allocation of P20 billion.
The fund would be used for the repair, reconstruction and disaster mitigation of public structures, including schools, hospitals, government buildings, roads, bridges, seaports, airports, railways, and power and water facilities.
Benitez said that the proposed system would not only strengthen the country’s disaster response but also safeguard the continuity of public service delivery in the aftermath of calamities.
“Preparedness and resilience must be built into our infrastructure financing systems,” he said.
“Investing in this approach today will save lives, protect livelihoods, and ensure faster recovery when disasters strike,” he added./CJ, WDJ