NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No.
v r' 
■■
22 AUG -8 P2 :25
RLCEIVID 3‘.,
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, 3R.
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
The Philippines has witnessed a great number of calamities and disasters all 
throughout Its distant and recent history. As emphasized in the study, "Perceptions 
of Disaster Resilience and Preparedness in the Philippines" published by the Harvard 
Humanitarian Initiative, "The Philippines is one of the world's most disaster-prone 
countries. Located along the boundary of major tectonic plates and at the center of 
a typhoon belt, its islands are regularly impacted by floods, typhoons, landslides, 
earthquakes, volcanoes, and droughts. The Philippines also ranks among the top 
three countries in the world for population exposure and vulnerability to hazards. 
The Philippine government has developed strong coping mechanisms over their long 
history of experience with disasters. Yet, significant gaps remain in disaster 
management capacities across different regions of the Philippines and surprisingly 
little data are available referencing local levels of disaster resilience and 
preparedness."
Undoubtedly, disaster preparedness and response requires a comprehensive 
approach. However, the most immediate concern is to save the lives of the people 
by securing their safety and protecting them from any harm or further danger. In


this light, it is of prime importance to have an evacuation center that is readily 
available at all times. Here in the Philippines, multipurpose gyms are used as 
evacuation centers but since not all local government units have one, public schools 
are the most common resort for the evacuees. Consequently, classes are disrupted 
when displaced families continue to occupy their space because of continuing danger 
or inability to return to their communities.
The "Multipurpose Gym in aii Municipalities and Cities Act of 2022" seeks to 
mandate the construction of a multipurpose gym In every municipality and city to 
serve as refuge for displaced families in times of calamities and disasters. It 
specifies the location, structural capacity and amenities that should be complied with 
in the construction of the said infrastructure.
This measure was filed by Senator Ralph G. Recto in the 18th Congress
In this light, the immediate passage of this bill is highly recommended.
RAMO^CWG REVILLA, 3R.


<- - 'a.
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
1003
' %5T .■ 
riO.ii'p
*22 AUG-8 P2 75
RltCEiVhDBv;
S. No
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
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:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the ''Multipurpose Gym in
2 
AH Municipalities and Cities Act of2022'.
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to protect the
4 
people's right to life and property, and to promote their general welfare. Towards this
5 
end, the State, in cognizance of the vulnerability of the Philippines to calamities and
6 
disasters, shall provide for the construction of a multi-purpose gym in every
7 
municipality and city to serve primarily as a refuge for displaced families in times of
8 
calamities and disasters.
9 
Sec. 3. Construction of a Multipurpose Gym. - The Department of Public Works
10 
and Highways (DPWH) shall undertake the construction of a multipurpose gym in
11 
every municipality and city throughout the country which shall serve as a civic center
12 
and as an evacuation center for residents during calamities and disasters: Provided,
13 
That any such construction Is based on a program prepared by DPWH in coordination
14 
with a representative of the municipality and city concerned: Provided, further. That
15 
the municipal or city mayor shall be furnished with the pertinent documents, data and
16 
information before any construction shall commence: Provided, finally, That Local


1 
Government Units (LGUs) may Include In their respective local Infrastructure program
2 
the construction of a multipurpose gym.
3 
Sec. 4. Construction Priority. - The DPWH shall give construction priority to
4 
third to sixth class municipalities, especially those located in disaster-prone areas. The
5 
DPWH shall coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
6 
Council and the LGUs concerned to determine which disaster-prone areas to prioritize
7 
In the construction of the facility.
8 
Priority should also be given to municipalities whose residents shall render
9 
volunteer labor services for the construction of the multipurpose gym and for this
10 
purpose, the DPWH shall Issue the necessary guidelines.
11 
Sec. 5. Muitipurpose Gym Requirements. - The facilities shall, at the minimum,
12 
have the following requirements:
13 
{a) Location - The multipurpose gym should be easily accessible to
14 
evacuees and to emergency rescue personnel. It should be kept at a
15 
safe distance from danger areas or hazards. LGUs concerned shall
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coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
17 
to identify the appropriate location of the multipurpose gym.
18 
(b) Structurai Capacity- The multipurpose gyms must be able to withstand
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wind speeds of at least 155 miles per hour and seismic activity of at least
20 
7.0 magnitude. The DPWH shall formulate the building specifications for
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the multipurpose gyms and shall ensure the compliance with these
22 
specifications during the construction of the facilities. DPWH shall
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periodically review, and if necessary, revised herein stated specifications
24 
as needed.
25 
(c) Amenities - The multipurpose gym must be well-ventilated and can
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accommodate large numbers of evacuees. It shall have, at the minimum,
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the following amenities:
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1) Floor area devoid of permanent fixtures to be used flexibly for
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assemblies, sports events, and as sleeping quarters for evacuees;
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2) Shower and toilet facilities; and,
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3) Isolated area that can be used as a clinic in times of evacuations.


1 
Sec. 6. Operation and Management of the Multipurpose Gym. - The Operation
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and management of the multipurpose gym shall be under the office of the municipal
3 
or city mayor. For the purposes of this Act, LGUs concerned are hereby authorized to
4 
issue rules and regulations on the use of the facility and to impose minimal charges
5 
as may be necessary for the maintenance and minimal repairs of the facility,
6 
Sec. 7. Appropriations. — The Amount necessary for the Immediate
7 
implementation of the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current
8 
appropriations of the DPWH. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary to carry out
9 
the provisions of this Act shall be included In the annual General Appropriations Act.
10 
The LGUs are authorized to utilize local funds as may be provided in their
11 
respective appropriation ordinances for the Implementation of this Act.
12 
Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from
13 
the approval of this Act, the DPWH shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the
14 
effective implementation of the provisions of this Act. The Implementing rules and
15 
regulations issued pursuant to this Act shall take effect thirty (30) days after its
16 
publication In two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
17 
Sec. 9. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
18 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise
19 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
20 
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
21 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary
22 
to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, or
23 
amended accordingly.
24 
Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
25 
publication in the Official Gazette ox in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,