Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 4658

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the Philippines, it has been a practice to use schools as shelters for thousands of
families displaced due to fire, flooding, earthquake and other calamities. Teachers
and students have to adjust to class shifts and make-up classes in order to maximize
the classrooms that are not used as evacuation sites. At times, makeshift
classrooms or tents are set up in open spaces, where students are exposed to noise,
distraction and other risks.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), nearly 18,000 schools served as
evacuation centers from 2016 to 2018. The department also laments that it takes
time before classes can resume after disasters strike when schools were used as
evacuation centers because they have to conduct cleaning and repairs first.

To put an end to disruption of classes during typhoons and other calamities, this bill
seeks to mandate the construction of a multipurpose gym, which shall serve as a
civic center and as an evacuation center, in every municipality and city throughout
the country. The multipurpose gym should be easily accessible to evacuees and to
emergency rescue personnel, and should be kept at a safe distance from danger
areas or hazards. Construction priority shall be given to third to sixth class
municipalities, especially those located in disaster-prone areas.

Under the proposed measure, the multipurpose gym must be able to withstand wind


speeds of at least 155 miles per hour and seismic activity of at least 7.0 magnitude
It must have showers and toilet facilities, must be well-ventilated, and can
accommodate large numbers of evacuees. It must be used flexibly for assemblies,
sports events, as sleeping quarters for evacuees, and as clinics in times of
evacuations.

With the passage of this bill, education of students need not be compromised
whenever their classrooms are used as evacuation centers. Thus, the approval of
this measure is earnestly sought.

Y” F, VILLAFUERTE, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No. 4658

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, 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:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Multipurpose Gym in all
Municipalities and Cities Act of 2019”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. —\t 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 multipurpose gym in every
municipality and city to serve primarily as refuge for displaced families in times of
calamities and disasters.

SECTION 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,


SECTION 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 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.

SECTION 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 sum 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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this
Act.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations
or other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect in fifteen (15) days
after publication in the Official Gazette or in one (1) newspaper of general circulation

in the Philippines.

Approved,