NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 465
©ClWf- 
of the jSx
■22 JUL 13 A10:13
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTIPURPOSE GYM IN ALL 
MUNICIPALITIES AND CITIES TO SERVE AS EVACUATION CENTER DURING 
TIMES OF CALAMITY OR DISASTER AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known as the "Philippine Disaster Risk 
Reduction and Management Act of 2021" was enacted to protect life and property 
from damages and devastation brought about by natural and man-made disasters. It 
also seeks to build resilient local communities that are adaptive to climate change. 
Among its objectives is to "provide maximum care, assistance and services to 
individuals and families affected by disaster, implement emergency rehabilitation 
projects to lessen the Impact of disaster, and facilitate resumption of normal social 
economic activities"
The important role of local government units (LGUs) in protecting our people 
and environment are acknowledged in RA 10121. However, one aspect where they 
can best assist their constituents was not outlined in the said law, and that Is the 
provision of temporary shelter during calamities and disasters through evacuation 
centers.
I
At present, the most commonly used infrastructure as evacuation centers are 
public schools because of their immediate accessibility to the residents. However,


classes are disrupted whenever evacuees occupy school rooms during school days. 
Multipurpose halls or gyms are better options as evacuation centers because they are 
more spacious and their use do not interfere with important activities. However, not 
all cities and municipalities have multipurpose gyms.
The "Multipurpose Gym in aii Municipalities and Cities Act of2022"ve(\u\res all 
cities and municipalities to construct a multipurpose gym that will house the individuals 
and families affected by calamities and disasters. To ensure the safety of the users 
as well as the reliability of the structure itself, the proposed measure specifies the 
location, structural capacity, and amenities that should be available In the said gyms.
This bill was filed by Senator Ralph G. Recto In the 18th Congress.
In view of the foregoing, the swift passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
3INGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
s. No.
?
Denali-
of file aei.iip
*22 JUL13 A10:13
RECEIVED QY
Introduced by SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTIPURPOSE GYM IN ALL 
MUNICIPALITIES AND CITIES TO SERVE AS EVACUATION CENTER DURING 
TIMES OF CALAMITY OR DISASTER AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Multipurpose Gym in 
AH Municipalities and Cities Act of2022'.
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to protect the 
people's right to life and property, and to promote their general welfare. Towards this 
end, the State, in cognizance of the vulnerability of the Philippines to calamities and 
disasters, shall provide for the construction of a multi-purpose gym in every 
municipality and city to serve primarily as a refuge for displaced families In times of 
calamities and disasters.
Sec. 3. Construction of a Multipurpose Gym. - The Department of Public Works 
and Highways (DPWH) shall undertake the construction of a multipurpose gym In 
every municipality and city throughout the country which shall serve as a civic center 
and as an evacuation center for residents during calamities and disasters: Provided, 
That any such construction is based on a program prepared by DPWH In coordination 
with a representative of the municipality and city concerned: Provided, further, That 
the municipal or city mayor shall be furnished with the pertinent documents, data and 
information before any construction shall commence: Provided, finally, That Local


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Government Units (LGUs) may include in their respective local infrastructure program 
the construction of a multipurpose gym.
Sec. 4. Construction Priority. — The DPWH shall give construction priority to 
third to sixth class municipalities, especially those located In disaster-prone areas. The 
DPWH shall coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management 
Council and the LGUs concerned to determine which disaster-prone areas to prioritize 
in the construction of the facility.
Priority should also be given to municipalities whose residents shall render 
volunteer labor services for the construction of the multipurpose gym and for this 
purpose, the DPWH shall issue the necessary guidelines.
Sec. 5. Muitipurpose Gym Requirements. - The facilities shall, at the minimum, 
have the following requirements:
{di) Location - The multipurpose gym should be easily accessible to 
evacuees and to emergency rescue personnel. It should be kept at a 
safe distance from danger areas or hazards. LGUs concerned shall 
coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
to identify the appropriate location of the multipurpose gym.
(b) Structurai Capacity- The multipurpose gyms must be able to withstand 
wind speeds of at least 155 miles per hour and seismic activity of at least 
7.0 magnitude. The DPWH shall formulate the building specifications for 
the multipurpose gyms and shall ensure the compliance with these 
specifications during the construction of the facilities. DPWH shall 
periodically review, and if necessary, revised herein stated specifications 
as needed.
(c) Amenities - The multipurpose gym must be well-ventilated and can 
accommodate large numbers of evacuees. It shall have, at the minimum, 
the following amenities:
1) Floor area devoid of permanent fixtures to be used flexibly for 
assemblies, sports events, and as sleeping quarters for evacuees;
2) Shower and toilet facilities; and,
3) Isolated area that can be used as a clinic in times of evacuations.


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Sec. 6. Operation and Management of the Multipurpose Gym. - The Operation 
and management of the multipurpose gym shall be under the office of the municipal 
or city mayor. For the purposes of this Act, LGUs concerned are hereby authorized to 
issue rules and regulations on the use of the facility and to impose minimal charges 
as may be necessary for the maintenance and minimal repairs of the facility.
Sec. 7. Appropriations. — The Amount necessary for the Immediate 
implementation of the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current 
appropriations of the DPWH. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
the provisions of this Act shall be Included In the annual General Appropriations Act.
The LGUs are authorized to utilize local funds as may be provided in their 
respective appropriation ordinances for the implementation of this Act.
Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from 
the approval of this Act, the DPWH shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the 
effective Implementation of the provisions of this Act. The Implementing rules and 
regulations issued pursuant to this Act shall take effect thirty (30) days after its 
publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Sec. 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary 
to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, or 
amended accordingly.
Sec. 11. EffectMty. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette ov In a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,