SENATOR Lito Lapid said the newly signed Republic Act No. 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, aims to protect the welfare of Filipino families affected by disasters.

“Ang batas na ito ay handog natin sa ating mga estudyante at sa kanilang mga pamilya. Bahagi po ito ng mga batas na tutulong sa mga ating mga kababayan na naaapektuhan ng mga kalamidad,” Lapid said.

The law encourages Filipino families to invest in their children’s education by assuring them that the government will provide relief in times of disaster or emergencies.

“Layunin po ng batas na ito na bigyan ng kapanatagan ang mga pamilyang Pilipino na patuloy na mag-invest sa pag-aaral ng kanilang mga anak. Narito po ang inyong gobyerno upang tulungan kayo kung sakaling mangailangan kayo dahil sa mga delubyong dumaraan sa ating bansa taun-taon,” he said.

The Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons and 798 earthquakes annually, with some having devastating effects, especially in vulnerable areas.

Lapid thanked President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and his colleagues in Congress for the swift enactment of this measure. As the principal author, Lapid recalled his own struggles with education due to poverty.