ILOILO – The Iloilo provincial government may soon institutionalize household disaster readiness. Ex-officio Provincial Board member Jo Jan Paul Peñol urged the inclusion of an Emergency Go Bag Initiative in the province’s proposed 2026 budget — a proactive step aimed at empowering families to withstand the worsening impacts of natural calamities.
Speaking during the 16th regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on October 14, Peñol underscored the urgency of preparedness, stressing that “a well-prepared Emergency Go Bag can mean the difference between life and tragedy.”
“It serves as a compact promise of safety and provision, especially in critical times when help has yet to arrive,” he added.
Proposal Anchored on Vulnerability and Equity
Peñol’s call came after months of frequent calamities that exposed Iloilo’s vulnerability, particularly in remote and marginalized areas. He warned that while natural disasters affect everyone, the poorest families bear the heaviest toll due to lack of resources and readiness.
His proposal seeks to earmark a portion of the 2026 provincial budget for the procurement of standardized emergency kits for every household in Iloilo, drawing inspiration from successful programs in Pasig and Quezon City.
Essential Lifesaving Contents
Each emergency go bag would contain essential survival items such as bottled water, non-perishable food, a basic first-aid kit, flashlight, power bank, face masks, blanket, toiletries, whistle, and a sealed pouch for important documents.
“These are not luxuries,” Peñol explained, “but necessities that could spell survival for families before aid arrives.”
Preparedness as Policy
For Peñol, the initiative transcends mere distribution. It aims to instil a culture of preparedness and resilience across all households in the province.
“Access to emergency supplies is now a non-negotiable priority,” he said. “This initiative requires a measurable investment in human capital and goes beyond mere informational campaigns.”
He emphasized that true resilience begins at home, where readiness should be viewed not as an option but as a civic responsibility.
“When disaster threatens, we must be ready. For survival is the reward of preparation, and preparedness is the promise of life,” he declared. “Let the emergency bag be more than just an item — it must be a covenant of safety, a reality for every Ilonggo family.”/PN
