NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBUC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
s. No. _4,3 a
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’22 JUL 12 P5 :29 
received BV;
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA
AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE, DEFINING ITS 
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
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 rank among the top three (3) countries
In the world for population in the world for population exposure and vulnerability to 
hazards.1
While natural disasters are unforeseeable, proper and adequate preparedness 
may mitigate, if not, totally eliminate the effects of these kind of fortuitous events. 
The proposed measure will provide a systematic and holistic approach of disaster risk 
reduction, disaster preparedness and response, recovery, and support to operations 
thereby addressing every step of disaster management cycle.
Further, the proposed measure seeks to ensure that a permanent, 
institutionalized, cohesive and comprehensive framework for disaster preparedness, 
prevention and mitigation, and response, is adopted, to be Implemented by a highly 
specialized and focused agency bearing its own mandate, powers, and funding, in
1 https://hhi.harvard.edu/publications/perceptions-disaster-resilience-and-preparedness-philippines


coordination and with the participation of the Philippine government, other foreign
governments and financial institutions, international organizations, the private sector, 
and civil society.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
RONALD 
ROSA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
s. No. 438
\y:,. i gj-CnsT
of f'lr pti'in.i
■22 JUL 12 P5 .30
received BV:
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA
AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE, DEFINING ITS 
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
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Be ft enacted by the Senate end House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. Short Title. —This Act shall be known as the "Disaster Resilience 
Act of2022".
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies and Principles. - The State recognizes that 
tremendous physical and economic, iosses are sustained by the country, and in certain 
cases, damage to our national, cultural, and historical heritage, each time natural 
hazards wreak havoc on an unsuspecting and unprepared populace;
Towards this end, the state shall endeavor to ensure that a strategic, systematic, 
continuous, comprehensive. Inclusive, and integrated approach to disaster risk 
reduction and management is established, with the end in view of substantially 
reducing vulnerabilities and the risk of disasters and other humanitarian emergencies, 
towards the preservation of life and property, thereby ultimately preventing or 
deterring the loss of lives and the social, economic, cultural, and environmental assets 
of the country. Furthermore, the state shall undertake to inculcate a culture of 
resilience and preparedness for natural disasters at the national, regional and local 
levels, and adopt a whole-of-society approach in disaster resilience to enhance 
collaboration, planning, and dialogue among all sectors of society, and in improving


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their strategies and/or action plans for disaster risk reduction.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
a. Buiid Forward Better shall refer to an approach to building and/or 
reconstructing an area or community which entails a shift from simple recovery 
and restoration to safer, more adaptive, resilient, and inclusive communities.
b. Ciimate Mitigation shall refer to efforts to reduce or limit greenhouse gas 
emissions or enhance greenhouse gas sequestration;.
c. Contingency Pianning shall refer to a management process that analyzes 
specific potential events or emerging situations that might threaten society or 
the environment and establishes arrangements in advance to enable timely, 
effective and appropriate responses to such events and situations.
d. Departmentsh^W refer to the Department of Disaster Resilience or the DDR;
e. Deveiopment Assistance shall refer to any financial, material or other forms of 
assistance to support the economic, social, and environmental well-being of 
areas and/or people affected by a natural disaster;
f. 
Disasters\\aW refer to a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or 
a society involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental 
losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or 
society to cope using its own resources. Unless otherwise used specifically in 
this Act, the term "disaster shall refer to "natural disaster";
g. Disaster Contingency Fundsh^W refer to a fund, in lump-sum form, managed 
by the Department to expediently provide funds and resources for disaster relief 
or response In affected areas;
h. Disaster Resiiience Fund shall refer to the budget managed by the Department, 
which includes funds appropriated to It by Congress pursuant to an 
Appropriations Act, the Disaster Contingency Fund, and the Rehabilitation and 
Recovery Fund;
i. 
Disaster Risk Management (DRM) shall refer to the systematic process of using 
administrative directives, organizations, and operational skills and capacities to 
implement strategies, policies and improved coping capacities in order to lessen 
the adverse impacts of hazards and the possibility of disaster;


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j. 
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) shall refer to the prevention of new, and/or 
reduction of existing, disaster risks and the management of residual risk, to 
enhance resilience to disasters;
k. Emergency shall refer to an unforeseen or sudden occurrence, especially 
danger, demanding immediate and decisive action;
l. 
Emergency Management shall refer to the organization and management of 
resources and responsibilities for addressing all aspects of emergencies, in 
particular preparedness, response and initial recovery steps;
m. Hazard shall refer to a phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition 
that may cause loss of life, injury or impacts to health; social and economic 
disruption, environmental damage, or loss of/disruption to property, livelihood, 
and/or services;
n. Humanitarian assistance s\\b\\ refer to financial, material or other similar forms 
of assistance to address the immediate needs of people affected by a natural 
disaster;
0. Immediate Danger shall refer to a situation where, on the basis of official 
forecasts, it could reasonably be expected that a disaster will occur In a 
particular geographical area and within an estimated period of lime, and where 
necessary preparedness actions or financing are required;
p. Locai Disaster Resilience Rian (LDRP) shall refer to a document prepared by an 
LGU based on the National Disaster Resilience Framework (NDRF) and the 
National Disaster Resilience Plan and Investment Plan (NDRPIP) that sets out 
specific programs, objectives and goals to implement disaster risk management 
and climate change adaptation measures at the local level. The plan includes, 
among others, an evaluation and analysis of emerging disaster risks, hazards 
and vulnerabilities applicable to an LGU, and specific programs and activities to 
ensure responsive, effective, and appropriate disaster preparedness and 
managements at the local level;
q. National Continuity Policy shall refer to a comprehensive national policy 
consisting of a set of programs and projects aimed at capacitating the 
government to ensure the continuity of governance and the delivery of public 
services during and after any disaster;


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t.
National Disaster Resilience Framework{NDRF)s\\-d\\ refer to a framework that 
provides for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral, who!e-of-government, and 
whole-of-society approach to attaining safe, adaptive, and resilient 
communities that can resist, prevent, mitigate against, absorb, accommodate, 
adapt to, recover, or build back better form the effects of a natural hazard in 
a timely and efficient manner through, among others, disaster risk reduction 
and management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. The NDRF 
shall be composed of a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management 
Framework (NDRRMF), and National Framework Strategy on Climate Change 
(NFSCC);
National Disaster Resilience Rian and Investment Program (NDRPIP) shall 
refer to a plan formulated and Implemented by the national and local 
governments, in collaboration with NGOs, the private sector, academe, 
international development partners, and others, in accordance with the NDRF 
that sets out the outcomes, goals and objectives, priorities, programs and 
corresponding action plans for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and 
management, and climate change mitigation. The NDRPIP shall also include, 
among others, goals, objectives and action plans for a national continuity 
policy.—It shall be in conformity with the national disaster risk reduction and 
management framework.
Naturai Hazard shall refer to naturally occurring physical phenomena caused 
either by rapid or slow onset events, which can be geological (earthquakes, 
ground rupture, liquefaction, landslides, tsunamis, sinkholes, and volcanic 
activity), hydrological and meteorological (floods, sever winds, typhoons, 
storm surges), climatological variability (extreme temperatures, El Nino, La 
Nina, forest fires), or biological (disease, epidemics and insect/animal 
plagues);
Recovery shall refer to rehabilitation measures that ensure the ability of 
affected communities or areas to return their normal level of functioning by 
restoring livelihoods and services, reconstruction of damaged infrastructures 
and increasing the communities' organizational capacity;


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X.
V. Rehabilitation shall refer to restoration of basic services and facilities for the 
functioning of a community or a society affected by a disaster; 
w. Response shall refer to any effort to provide assistance or intervention during 
or Immediately after a disaster to meet the life preservation and basic 
subsistence needs of affected people and communities; and in the restoration 
of essential public activities and facilities;
Risk assessment shall refer to a methodology to determine the nature and 
extent of risk by analyzing potential hazards and evaluating existing conditions 
of vulnerability that together could potentially harm exposed people, property, 
services, livelihood and the environment on which they depend;
State of Calamity shall refer to a condition Involving endangered to and/or 
loss of lives, damages to property, economic and/or social disruption, 
interruption and/or loss of livelihood and/or services, and destruction and/or 
damages to infrastructure as a result of natural disasters or related hazards;
ARTICLE II
THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE:
MANDATE, POWERS, AND FUNCTIONS
SEC. 4. Creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience. -There is hereby 
created the Department of Disaster Resilience (Department).
The Department shall be the principal government institution responsible for 
ensuring safe, adaptive, and disaster-resilient communities. It shall lead, spearhead, 
initiate, and integrate the crafting and implementation of comprehensive, 
continuous, and strategic plans, programs, projects and activities to reduce the risk 
of all types of natural hazards and effects of climate change, and manage the impact 
of disasters with the primordial goal of saving lives and minimizing damage to
property, in close collaboration with ail relevant stakeholders at the national and local 
levels.
The Department shall oversee and coordinate the preparation, 
implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of disaster and climate resilience plans, 
programs, projects and activities, provide leadership in the continuous development 
of strategic and systematic approaches to disaster prevention, mitigation.


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preparedness, response, recovery and rehabilitation and anticipatory adaptation 
strategies, measures, techniques, and options. It shall also manage and direct the 
implementation of national, local, and community-based disaster resilience programs 
in collaboration with relevant national government agencies, LOUs, CSOs, and other 
stakeholders, as applicable.
SEC. 5r Powers and Functions of the Department - The Department shall 
exercise and perform the following powers and functions:
(A) Overall functions:
1. Craft the policies and lead the Implementation of the programs, projects and 
activities necessary to reduce the country's vulnerabilities to natural hazards 
and climate change, using the PDRP and the relevant climate change and DRR 
frameworks as anchors;
2. Review and build upon, to the extent necessary, the existing disaster resilience 
framework, plans and strategies in the crafting of an NDRF and the 
corresponding NDRPIP;
3. Oversee, review, and approve the translation, integration, and Implementation 
of the NDRPIP into LDRPs;
4. Communicate and disseminate critical information to help the public prepare 
for, respond to, and recover from a disaster;
5. Receive, manage, and administer the Disaster Resilience Fund, the Disaster 
Contingency Fund, donations and other funds, assets and/or properties 
received by the Department to accomplish the purposes of this Act;
6. Recommend to the President of the Philippines the declaration of a state of 
calamity due to a natural disaster, and the lifting thereof when conditions 
stabilize;
7. Advance the country's Interests relating to disaster resilience and climate 
change In the regional and global arena; and
8. Perform such other functions, as provided by law or assignment of the 
President, and undertake all other necessary actions to ensure the attainment 
of the overall goals and objectives of this Act.
(B) Disaster Risk Reduction:


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1. Develop coordinated national, regional, and local strategies for the effective 
prevention and mitigation of disaster risk resulting from natural hazards, 
including the effects of climate change;
2. Monitor and ensure the integration of disaster risk reduction and management, 
and climate change adaptation policies Into national development plans;
3. Establish a disaster resilience information system to facilitate the creation of an 
integrated risk assessment platform built from the inputs of government and 
private scientific and academic institutions, national government agencies and 
local government units, local communities, and other stakeholders and that is 
able to provide readily accessible and actionable information for purposes of 
risk governance and humanitarian action;
4. Formulate plans and programs to establish and implement government 
redundancy, service and business continuity, and a National Continuity Policy, 
as a high priority and urgent undertaking;
5. Ensure ttie use of advanced science and technology in anticipatory planning of 
communities against the impact of natural hazards and climate change through 
consultation, and employment with a regular department funding the academe 
or higher education institutions;
6. Design and implement an incentive system for greater private and public 
Investment, both at the local and national levels, on disaster risk reduction;
7. Oversee and ensure the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation and 
disaster risk reduction in development and land use planning, and the 
preparation of contingency plans;
8. Communicate and disseminate critical information to help the public prepare 
for, respond to, and recover from a disaster;
9. Establish and monitor local and national capacity for disaster risk financing and 
Insurance and other risk transfer strategies in coordination with the Department 
of Finance (DOF), the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and the 
Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and the Insurance Commission; and
10. Undertake all other programs, projects, and actions necessary to attain the 
overall goals and intended outcome of this key result area.
(C) Disaster Preparedness and Response:


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1. Lead, manage, and collaborate with the relevant government instrumentalities, 
non-government stakeholders, and international partners in providing the 
minimum basic needs of people in affected areas before, during and/or 
immediately after a disaster to save lives and minimize casualties;
2. Ensure the efficient prepositioning of goods, maintenance, and disposal of 
safety stocks;
3. Prepare pre-disaster recovery plans in anticipation of future disasters by 
engaging the community and planning for recovery activities that are 
comprehensive and long-term;
4. Establish a corps of first responders in partnership with national and local 
stakeholders, both public and private;
5. Formulate standards for contingency planning for adoption by both national 
government agencies and local government units;
6. Recommend to the President of the Philippines the declaration of a state of 
calamity due to ? natural disaster, and the lifting thereof when conditions 
stabilize;
7. Oversee and maintain a national early-warning and emergency alert system 
that must provide a specific, areas-focused and time-bound warning that are 
accurate, timely, understandable and readily accessible to national and local 
emergency response organizations and the general public;
8. Implement Pre-Disaster Risk Assessments to include deployment of rapid 
assessment teams to gather information for precise actions as a basis for 
emergency preparedness and humanitarian response;
9. Coordinate information-sharing and other disaster risk reduction protocols 
following the principle of inter-operability among national government agencies 
and local government units;
10. Establish and maintain a national humanitarian logistics system with a network 
of warehouses, transport aiid resources, including response assets and disaster 
relief food and non-food items;
11. Call upon the relevant government instrumentalities, non-government 
stakeholders, CSOs, and international partners for assistance in ensuring the 
protection and preservation of life and property such as through the use of


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their resources and facilities, among others. This function includes the power
to call on the reserve force as defined in Republic Act No. 7077 or the "Citizen
Armed Force or the Armed Forces of the Philippines Resen/ist Act", to assist in
search and rescue, and the relief and disaster preparedness and response 
operations;
12. Organize, train, equip, and maintain a system of response capacity for search, 
rescue and retrieval and the delivery and distribution of relief goods;
13. Monitor and support LGUs in the management of evacuation centers and 
ensure the welfare and dignity of internally-displaced persons;
14. Procure goods and services prior to, during, and after emergencies for 
preparedness, response and recovery activities, including those prompted by 
a declaration of a state of calamity or of an imminent disaster;
15. Issue special procurement rules and regulations, in close coordination with the 
Government Procurement Policy Board, for preparedness, response, and 
recovery activities, including those prompted by a declaration of a state of 
calamity or of an imminent disaster;
16. Assist in mobilizing necessary resources to increase the overall capacity of local
government units, specifically those with low income and situated in high-risk 
areas; and
17. Undertake all other programs, projects, and actions necessary to attain the 
overall goals and intended outcomes of this key result area.
(D) Recovery:
1. Prepare, organize, lead, implement, and manage post-disaster assessment and
recovery and rehabilitation programs and plans, in coordination with the
affected local governments units, national government agencies, and other 
Stakeholders;
2. Establish a system that utilizes templates, exposure database, and other tools; 
and develop the Department's in-house capacity for the prompt and expedient 
preparation of rehabilitation plans, when needed, for disaster affected areas;
3. Prepare and implement the recovery and rehabilitation plan(s) for disaster 
affected areas;


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4. Collaborate with relevant government agencies and non-government 
stakeholders In undertaking programs and projects to restore and/or generate
livelihood and entrepreneurial activities and opportunities in disaster-affected 
areas;
5. Ensure that the principle of Building Forward Better is applied to all recovery, 
reconstruction, and rehabilitation efforts; and
6. Undertake all other programs, projects, and actions necessary to attain the 
overall goals and intended outcomes of this key result area.
(E) Other Powers and Functions:
1. Constitute, call, convene and/or deputize agencies of government, and invite 
non- government and private organizations, to assist, advise, and/or coordinate 
with the Department to achieve the goals and purposes of this act;
2. Provide operating guidelines to the LDROs for the Declaration of Imminent 
Disaster In their respective areas, which shall allow them to implement 
preemptive measures and use their quick response funds in order to save lives 
and minimize damage to property, loss of livelihood, and other assets;
3. Establish and monitor local and national capacity for disaster risk financing and 
insurance and other risk transfer strategies in coordination with the DOF, GSIS, 
LBP, and the Insurance Commission;
4. Coordinate information sharing and other disaster risk reduction protocols 
following the principle of Inter-operability among National Government 
Agencies and Local Government Units, before, during, and after a disaster;
5. Administer, mobilize, monitor, and oversee the utilization of disaster resilience- 
related funds, including, but not limited to, the National Disaster Resilience 
Fund and the Supplemental Disaster Resilience Support Fund for low Income 
provinces, cities, and municipalities, and multi-hazard local government units;
6. Inspect and examine the status of projects, programs, and activities 
undertaken by national government agencies and local go^'ernment units In 
furtherance of disaster resilience efforts;
7. Negotiate, enter into, institutionalize, and coordinate arrangements with any 
private person or entity for the purpose of ensuring the adequate and prompt
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availability of goods and services necessary in anticipation of, during, and in 
the aftermath of disasters;
8. Receive humanitarian assistance from local and foreign sources, recommend 
the acquisition of developmental assistance for the purpose of disaster 
resilience, acknowledge and certify the receipt of all humanitarian assistance, 
and ensure their judicious use and management;
9. Establish and operate a platform, including an online platform, to monitor and
provide public access to information on humanitarian assistance received by 
the Department;
10. Secure the assistance of the AFP. PNP, DILG- BFP, DOTr-PCG, and other 
uniformed services and government instrumentalities to ensure the attainment 
of the three key result areas, and the overall goals and objectives of this Act;
11.In consultation with the COA, promulgate rules and regulations for the
retention, re- exportation, donation, and disposition of unused goods and
equipment after the termination of disaster relief and initial recovery 
operations,
12. Assist appropriate national government agencies and offices and concerned 
local government units in protecting national cultural heritage including national
treasures and national historical landmarks, sites or monuments from hazards 
and disasters; and
13. Perform such other functions, as provided by law or assignment of the 
President, and undertake the necessary actions to ensure the attainment of the 
overall goals and objectives of this Act.
ARTICLE III 
EMERGENCY MEASURES
SEC. 6. Emergency Measures. -
a. The Department shall undertake and implement such immediate measures 
as may be necessary to ensure the protection and preservation of life or 
property in anticipation of, during, and in the aftermath of emergencies, 
hazards and disasters, including preemptive and forced evacuations.
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Local Government Units (LGUs) shall enact an ordinance on and 
implement necessary and appropriate emergency measures, including 
preemptive and forced evacuations, to ensure the protection and 
preservation of life or property in anticipation of, during, and in the 
aftermath of disasters.
It shall be mandatory for LGUs to provide evacuation centers, with due 
consideration to the capacity of local facilities, when requested by the 
Department, in anticipation of, during, and in the aftermath of emergencies, 
hazards and disasters. In providing such evacuation centers, due regard 
shall be given to the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, respecting 
the dignity and culture of persons, observing equality, and using 
proportionate force in implementing such emergency measures.
Preemptive evacuation shall be the preferred as the primary mode of 
moving people that will be affected by disasters.
Forced evacuation shall be considered as an emergency measure of last 
resort, and shall be carried out by the affected LGU, pursuant to a duly 
issued order by the local chief executive: Provided, That in case of the 
failure of the local chief executive to issue such an order, the forced 
evacuation shall be implemented by the Department, which may direct and 
compel the assistance of law enforcement and other relevant government 
agencies to implement such measure.
Any person who willfully and deliberately disregards or disobeys a 
preemptive or forced evacuation Implemented by the LGU or the 
Department, as the case may be, releases such LGU or the Department 
from any liability for injury, death, damage to, or loss of property due to 
such disobedience.
b. Whenever necessary, the Department may recommend to the President the 
calling out of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to prevent or suppress 
lawless violence occurring before, during, and in the aftermath of disasters.
c. The Department may ration the distribution of basic goods in critical 
shortage, and/or restrict or ban the transfer of such goods outside the area 
covered by the emergency measure.
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d. The Department may temporarily take over or direct the operation of any 
private utility or business for urgent public purpose in anticipation of, during, 
and in the aftermath of emergencies, hazards, and disasters and only when 
there is imminent danger of loss of lives ana/or damage to property, subject 
to the payment of just compensation.
e. LGUs shall likewise enact the abovementloned emergency measures 
including preemptive and forced evacuations, to ensure the protection and 
preservation of life or property in anticipation of, during, and in the 
aftermath of disaster.
f. With the concurrence of the DOF, the Department shall recommend to the 
Monetary Board the deferment of payment for monetary debts of LGUs 
and/or private entities that have been affected by disasters.
ARTICLE IV
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT 
SEC. 7. The Secretary. -The Department shall be headed by the Secretary of 
Disaster Resilience (Secretary) who shall be appointed by the President, subject to 
confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.
The Secretary shall preferably have a solid background in any of the scientific, 
engineering, and public management fields relevant to resilience to natural hazards 
and climate change and demonstrated managerial acumen.
SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the Secretary. - The Secretary shall exercise 
the following powers and functions:
a. Establish and promulgate policies, rules, and regulations for the effective and 
efficient operation of the Department and implement these to carry out its 
mandate, functions, programs, and activities;
b. Exercise executive direction over the operations of the Department and 
administrative supervisions over its attached agencies;
c. Exercise control and supervision over all functions and activities of the 
Department and its officers and personnel;
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d. Appoint officers and employees of the Department, except those whose
appointments are vested in the President, in accordance with civil service law, 
rules, and regulations;
e. Exercise disciplinary authority over officers and employees of the Department 
in accordance with law, and Investigate such officers and employees, or 
designate a committee or officer to conduct an investigation;
f. Manage the financial, human, and other resources of the Department;
g. Collaborate with other government agencies, the private sector, and civil 
society organizations on the policies, programs, projects, and activities of the 
Department, as may be necessary;
h. Advise the President on the promulgation of executive and administrative 
issuances and the formulation of regulatory and legislative proposals on 
matters pertaining to disaster resilience;
i. 
Represent the Philippines and articulate the national contribution to global, 
regional, and other inter-governmental disaster risk reduction and 
humanitarian platforms, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs; 
and
j. 
Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
President.
SEC. 9. The Undersecretaries. -The Secretary shall be assisted by at least four 
(4) Underseci etaries, who shall be responsible for the following functional areas, 
including the establishment of a robust and responsive ICT system to effectively 
support the mandate and operations of the Department:
a. Disaster Risk Reduction - the formulation, adoption, and implementation of 
policies and programs to reduce existing and future disaster risks to minimize 
loss and damage to lives and properties, including the formulation of the 
required policies and programs in the NDRF and relevant national investment 
plans;
b. Disaster Preparedness and Response - the implementation of projects and 
programs to prepare and respond to disasters, including the enhancement of 
capabilities of LCDs, the development of a database of exposure or elements 
at risk per area and database of volunteers, the establishment of safe and
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Strategic evacuation centers, and the implementation of responsive and 
efficient prepositioning and distribution of goods;
c. Recovery - the formulation and implementation of rehabilitation plans for 
disaster-affected areas and ensuring the implementation of disaster recovery 
and rehabilitation measures, such as post-disaster shelters and livelihood 
projects, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, local government 
units, and other stakeholders; and
d. Support to Operations - the formulation and implementation of policies, 
programs, projects, and activities to ensure the efficient, effective, and 
responsive performance of the Department’s mandate, powers, and functions. 
Support to operations includes knowledge management, institutional 
development and planning, finance, administration, and human resources 
management.
The Undersecretaries shall have operational control and supervision over the 
bureaus, divisions, offices, and units assigned to their respective functional areas.
SEC. 10. The Assistant Secretaries and Directors. -The Department shall have 
such number of Assistant Secretaries and Directors as may be necessary for the
effective and efficient implementation and performance of its mandate, powers, and 
functions.
SEC. 11. Quaiifications. -All the Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and 
other officials of the Department shall preferably be specialists and have a good track 
record in any of the following fields, as applicable to their mandated key result areas 
and functions: disaster risk reduction and management, science and technology, 
environmental science or management, urban planning, civil engineering, public 
finance, information and communications technology, logistics management, mass 
communication, among other fields directly relevant to ensuring the country's 
disaster resilience. The appointing authority and other responsible officials shall 
ensure that the Department's human resources possess the competencies, skills, 
behavioral attributes, training and experience necessary for them to become 
efficient, effective, and responsive in performing their functions and contribute to 
the attainment of the overall goals and delivery of the intended outcomes of this Act.
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SEC. 12. Structure and Staffing Pattern. -The Department shall determine its 
organizational structure and staffing pattern and create such services, divisions, and 
units, as it may require or deem necessary, subject to the approval of the Department 
of Budget and Management.
Regional Disaster Resiiience Offices. — The Department shall 
establish and maintain Regional Disaster Resilience Offices (RDROs) in each 
administrative region, to be headed by a Regional Director. The Department shall
create policies and programs to establish collaboration and coordination among the 
different RDROs.
SEC. 14. Powers and Functions of RDROs. - The RDROs shall have the 
following powers and functions:
a. Review the LDRPs and Provincial DRPs of LGUs within its jurisdiction, and 
require the amendment of such LDRPs and/or Provincial DRPs if necessary, to 
ensure compliance with the NDRF and relevant national investment plans;
b. Monitor and direct LDROs and PDROs to implement their respective LDRPs and 
PDRPs;
c. Recommend to the appropriate local legislative body the enactment of 
ordinances to implement the LDRP, NDRF and relevant national investment 
plans at the city, municipal or provincial level, and to comply with other 
requirements of this Act;
d. Review reports on the utilization of the LDRF and other disaster risk and 
management resources of LGUs within its jurisdiction, and give 
recommendations, as necessary;
e. Disburse to, and monitor the use by, LGUs of funds granted by the Department 
pursuant to this Act and its IRR;
f. 
Provide, upon the request of LGUs or unilaterally at its own discretion, 
assistance to LGU(s) within its jurisdiction as necessary to ensure the 
Implementation of LDRPs/Provincial LDRPs, NDRF and relevant national 
Investment plans, and to render efficient and timely disaster preparedness, 
response and recovery measures;
g. Identify and report to the Department Issues and problems relating to, or 
affecting, the disaster resilience of LGUs within its jurisdiction, and make
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recommendations to the Department and/or to the LGUs to address such issues 
or problems;
h. Formulate and establish mechanisms to mobilize and direct LDROs and PDROs 
within Its jurisdiction as necessary for disaster preparedness and response at 
the regional level;
I. Establish and maintain, in coordination with the Department, a Regional 
Command and Control Center (RCCC), which includes, among others, an 
Information management system at the regional level, which consolidates and 
integrates information ^'rom the provinces, cities and municipalities within its 
jurisdiction, a multi-hazard early warning and communications system, and a 
monitoring system that enables the RDRO to oversee, supervise, monitor and 
respond to the needs of LGUs within its jurisdiction in relation to disaster 
resilience activities;
j. 
Assist in the Implementation, of rehabilitation plan(s) for LGUs within its 
coverage: and
k. Conduct other activities and act on other matters, in accordance with policies
and procedures of the Department and applicable laws, to achieve the purposes 
of this Act,
SEC 15. Specid!Disdster Response Teems. —The RDROs may organize and/or 
activate Special Disaster Response Teams (SDRTs) to assist LGUs in responding to 
hazards and disasters that are beyond their capacities, as deemed necessary.
SEC. 16. Local Disaster Resilience Offices. -The Local Disaster Risk Reduction 
Management Offices in provinces, cities, and municipalities are hereby renamed as 
the Provincial, City, and Municipal Disaster Resilience Offices, respectively, and shall 
collectively be called the Local Disaster Resilience Offices (LDROs). Provincial, city, 
and municipal governments shall establish their respective LDROs.
The Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees are 
hereby renamed as the Barangay Disaster Resilience Committees (BDRC).
All Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils are hereby abolished. 
The LDROs shall be under the control and supervision of the provincial governor 
or the city or municipal mayor, as the case may be. The budgetary requirements for 
personal services, maintenance and other operating expenditures, and capital outlay
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Of the LDROs shall be sourced from the General Fund of the local government units 
concerned: Provided, That, the personal services limitations under Section 325(a) of 
Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, shall 
not apply in relation to the creation and appointment of at least five (5) positions in 
the LDROs. Other maintenance and operating expenditures and the capital outlay 
requirements of LDROs in the implementation of disaster risk reduction management 
and climate change adaptation programs shall be charged to the Local Disaster 
Resilience Fund of local government units.
SEC. 17. Local Disaster Resilience Officer. -The LDRO shall be headed by a 
full- time Local Disaster Resilience Officer, who shall have a regular plantilla position 
and shall be appointed by the local chief executive: Provided, That the qualifications 
standards pertaining to experience and training set by the Civil Service Commission 
for the position may be waived by the Department in exceptional cases upon the 
request of the local chief executive.
SEC. 18. Powers and Functions of City and Municipal Disaster Resiiience 
Offices, -The City and Municipal Disaster Resilience Offices shall have the following 
powers and functions:
a. Formulate and implement. In coordination with the Department, a 
comprehensive and integrated Local Disaster Resilience Plan in accordance with 
the NDRF and the relevant national investment plans;
b. Design, program, coordinate, and implement disaster resilience activities 
consistent with the standards and guidelines provided by the Department, and 
implement the NDRF and the relevant national investment plans at the city or 
municipal level;
c. Prepare and submit to the Sangguniang Panglungsod or Bavan, as the case 
may be, the LDRP, the proposed programming of the LDR Fund, other 
dedicated disaster resilience resources, and other funds of the LDRO;
d. Recommend to the Sangguniang Panglungsod or Bavan, as the case may be, 
the enactment of ordinances to implement the LDRP, NDRF, relevant national 
investment plans, and the provisions of this Act;
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e. Prepare and submit to the Department a report on the utilization of its Local
Disaster Resilience Fund and other disaster risk reduction and management 
resources;
f. 
Establish and maintain, in coordination with the Department, an information 
management system within the LGU, which, among others, consolidates and 
includes local risk information (such as natural hazards, profile of the LOU's 
vulnerable or marginalized groups), local risk maps, and a disaggregated 
database of human resource, equipment, services, resources, directories and 
location of critical Infrastructures with their capacities (such as hospitals and 
evacuation centers);
g. Operate and maintain, in coordination with the Department, a multi-hazard 
early warning and communications system to provide accurate and timely 
information to the public;
h. Organize and conduct training and knowledge management activities on 
disaster resilience at the local level, in coordination with the Disaster Research, 
Education, and Training Institute;
i. 
Recommend to the local chief executive the procurement of emergency works, 
goods, and services in compliance with the regulations, orders, and policies of 
DBM and Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), to Implement the 
LDRP or support early recovery and post-disaster activities;
Recommend, in coordination with the DOF and other relevant agencies, to the 
local chief executive, access to foreign loans to finance projects, programs, and 
policies for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation,
subject to terms and conditions agreed upon by the local government unit and 
the lender;
k. Monitor and mobilize instrumentalities and entities of the LGU and its partner 
LG Us, CSOs, private sector, organized volunteers, and sectoral organizations 
for disaster resilience activities, in accordance with policies and procedures of 
the Department and applicable laws;
l. 
Coordinate and provide the necessary support or assistance to the Department 
in the implemencation of rehabilitation plan(s) within the city or municipality 
covered by the LDRO;
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m. Coordinate with the Department, other government agencies, members of the 
private sector and other stakeholders in the LGU to establish a Business 
Continuity Plan as part of their LDRP's disaster preparedness measures;
n. Establish linkage/network and coordination mechanisms with other LGUs and
the Department for disaster resilience activities and to achieve the purposes of 
this Act; and
0. Conduct other activities and act on other matters, in accordance with policies
and procedures of the Department and applicable laws, to achieve the purposes 
of this Act.
SEC. 19. Powers and Functions of the Provincial Disaster Resilience Offices.—
The Provincial Disaster Resilience Offices shall have the following powers and 
functions:
a. Formulate and implement, in close coordination with the Department and the 
local government units under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, a 
comprehensive and integrated Provincial Disaster Resilience Plan in accordance 
with the NDRF;
b. Review the LDRPs of cities and/or municipalities within its Jurisdiction, and 
require the amendment of such LDRPs if necessary, to ensure compliance with 
the Provincial DRP and the NDRF;
c. Design, program, coordinate, or implement disaster resilience activities 
consistent with the standards and guidelines provided by the Department, and 
implement the NDRF and the relevant national investment plans at the 
provincial level;
d. Prepare and submit to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Provincial DRP, the 
proposed programming of the province's Local Disaster Resilience Fund, other 
dedicated disaster resilience resources, and other funding sources of the PDRO;
e. Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan the enactment of local 
ordinances to implement the Provincial LDRP, NDRF and relevant national 
investment plans at the provincial level, and to comply with other requirements 
of this Act:
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f. Prepare and submit to the Department, a report on the utilization of the 
province's Local Disaster Resilience Fund and other disaster risk reduction and 
management resources;
g. Establish and maintain, in coordination with the Department, a Provincial 
Command and Control Center (PCCC), which includes, among others, an 
information management system at the provincial level, which consolidates and 
integrates information from the cities and/or municipalities within its 
jurisdiction, a multi-hazard early warning and communications system that Is 
connected with the cities and/or municipalities within its jurisdiction, and a 
monitoring system that enables the PDRO to oversee, supervise, monitor and 
respond to the needs of cities and/or municipalities within Its jurisdiction in 
relation to disaster resilience activities;
h. Recommend to the Provincial Governor the procurement of emergency works, 
goods, and services in compliance with the regulations, orders, and policies of 
DBM and GPPB, to implement the provincial LDRP or support early recovery 
and post-disaster activities of the PDRO;
i. 
Recommend, in coordination with the DOF, to the Provincial Governor to access 
foreign loans to finance its policies, programs, projects, and activities for 
disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation, subject to terms 
and conditions agreed upon by the Provincial Government and the lender; 
Formulate and establish mechanisms to mobilize and direct LDROs within its 
jurisdiction as necessary for disaster preparedness and response at the 
provincial level;
k. Coordinate and provide the necessary support or assistance to the Department 
in the implementation of rehabilitation plan(s) within the cities and/or 
municipalities covered by the PDRO; and
l. 
Conduct other activities and/or act on other matters. In accordance with policies 
and procedures of the Department and applicable laws, to achieve the purposes 
of this Act.
SEC. 20. Service continuity of the Deportment —To ensure service continuity, 
the Department and its regional and attached offices shall be established in a
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reasonably resilient location; and/or undertake the necessary interventions to make 
its offices and systems disaster- resilient.
ARTICLE V
WHOLE OF GOVERNMENT AND WHOLE OF NATION APPROACH
Synergy with Stdkeholders. —The Department shail ensure seamless 
synergy and coordination with stakeholders, Including national go^'fernment agencies, 
local government units, government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), 
CSOs, the academe, and the private sector. In relation to disaster resilience programs 
and projects and the development and promotion of research, education, and training 
mechanisms. The Department shall establish a platform, paradigm, and mechanisms 
for convergence and coordination with stakeholders, including the development of 
standards, protocols, and procedures for seamless collaboration for disaster resilience.
SEC. 22. Establishment of Multi-Stakeholders convergence Unit — The 
Department, with the assistance of other relevant government agencies and 
stakeholders, shall establish a Multi-Stakeholders Convergence Unit (MSCU), which 
shall closely engage the private sector, CSOs, academe, and other non-government 
stakeholders and strengthen public-private collaboration towards disaster resilience 
by way of the following Interventions, among others:
a. Implementation of business continuity practices to ensure the continued 
delivery of products and services, in the event of disasters;
b. Crafting and implementation of a National Continuity Policy to ensure 
government service continuity during and after emergencies and disasters, and 
ensure the quick return of government to full operations;
c. Establishment, incorporation, and application of business continuity plans as 
part of the LDRPs of LGUs;
d. Facilitation or assistance in obtaining and/or processing incentives for the 
private sector and other non-government stakeholders, such as but not limited 
to tax credits;
e. Preparation and facilitation of the issuance of special rules for Micro, Small, and 
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) such as, but not limited to, mechanisms involving 
procurement and liquidity to create enabling environments for disaster 
preparedness, recovery and building forward belter; and
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f. Formulation of investment programs for disaster affected areas in partnership 
with the private business sector and civil society organizations.
The MSCU shall establish a platform that includes, among others, a database 
for monitoring and coordinating efforts and resources of stakeholders.
Floles and RGsponsibiUtias of Stakaholdars. — The commitment, 
goodwill, knowledge, experience and resources of relevant stakeholders are critical to 
realize a safer, adaptive, resilient and inclusive Filipino community. Citizens have the 
shared vision and duty to provide support to the State in the implementation of policies 
and programs, particularly the Disaster Resilience Framework and Disaster Resilience 
Plan at the national, regional and local levels.
a. Civil society, non-governmental organizations, international non-governmental 
organizations, private sector, practitioners, and volunteers shall participate, in 
collaboration with public Institutions, in the exchange of information, learnings, 
and guidance on disaster resilience. The Department shall encourage and 
institutionalize their engagement in the implementation of local, regional, 
national, and global plans and strategies: enhance public awareness and 
promote a culture of disaster resilience;
b. The women, children, and youth, as agents of change, shall endeavor to 
contribute actively and participate in disaster resilience trainings and 
information dissemination;
c. Senior citizens, and persons with disabilities shall contribute their knowledge 
and experience on disaster preparedness and resiliency;
d. Indigenous peoples and Muslim Filipinos shall share their traditional knowledge 
and practical experience on disaster resiliency;
e. Urban and rural poor, and migrants shall participate in building resilient 
resettlement communities;
f. Emergency responders and volunteer organizations shall contribute to 
resilience by promptly and efficiently responding to disasters and emergencies 
consistent with the policies of the Research, Education and Training Institute 
of the Department;
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g. Academia, scientific aiid research entities, and networks are encouraged to 
undertake relevant research on disaster resiliency in partnership with the 
Department and other stakeholders for better decision-making;
h. The private sector is encouraged to integrate disaster resiliency projects and 
programs in their corporate social responsibility initiatives; and
i. 
The media shall provide prompt and accurate information to the public on early
warning systems, natural hazards, and disaster resilience activities of the 
Department.
SEC. 24. Disaster Resilience Assembly. -The Department, with the assistance 
of RDROs, shall establish and convene a Disaster Resilience Assembly (DRA), at the 
regional and national level, which will be held on a semestral basis, or as frequently 
as necessary to ensure the proactive engagement of the relevant government and 
non-government stakeholders, such as the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines 
(ULAP), League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), CSOs, academe, DRRM 
practitioners, the private sector, and the national government agencies, among 
others, to ensure effective collaboration towards achieving the goals of this Act.
The LG Us may convene local DRAs within their jurisdictions, as necessary for 
the attainment of disaster resilience at the local level.
SEC. 25. Inter-operabiiity of Systems. - The Department shall establish 
mechanisms to ensure the Inter-operability of systems among government agencies, 
and to allow access of agencies to the IDRIS (Integrated Disaster Resilience 
Information System). It shall develop protocols to allow real-time access to 
Information by government agencies in relation to natural disasters and the 
Implementation of disaster resilience measures.
SEC. 26. National organization of aii Local Disaster Resilience Officers. - There 
shall be a national organization of all local disaster resilience officers for the primary 
purpose of:
a. Developing capacity, and exchanging knowledge, experiences, and best 
practices concerning local government disaster resilience;
b. Fostering inter-operabiiity of the local disaster resilience offices' systems; 
Facilitating inter-LGU cooperation and collaboration;
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c. Providing inputs and fPGdback to the Departmont on rasiliGncG concerns at the 
local level; and
d. Enhancing synergy in other areas of common concern.
ARTICLE VI
MAINSTREAMING, INTEGRATION AMD CONVERGENCE 
OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
SEC. 27. Integration of DRR and Climate Change Adaptation in the National 
Disaster Resilience Framework and Disaster Resilience Rian. -The existing NDRRM 
Framework and Plan, and the National Climate Change Strategic Framework and Plan 
shall be integrated and harmonized into the NDRF and the NDRPIP. The NDRF and 
NDRPIP shall be reviewed and updated every three (3) years.
SEC. 28. Ecosystem-Based Approach to Prevention and Mitigation, 
Rehabilitation and Recovery from Disasters. - The Department shall ensure the 
application of ecosystems-based approaches in disaster risk reduction, particularly 
through ecosystem management and restoration as defined in this Act, and ensuring 
that environmental and natural resource policies are risk-informed.
ARTICLE VII
NATIONAL DISASTER OPERATIONS CENTER, ALTERNATIVE COMMAND
CENTER, AND RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE
29. National Disaster Operations center. — The Department shail 
establish, within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, and act as the primary 
operator of, the National Disaster Operations Center (NDOC), Alternative Command
and Control Centers (ACCCs), and a Disaster Resilience Research and Training 
Institute (DRRTI).
The NDOC is a physical center equipped with the necessary tools and systems 
to monitor, manage, and respond to disasters in all areas of the country. The NDOC 
shall also provide the necessary support for the overall coordination and 
implementation of emergency and disaster response measures throughout the 
country.
The ACCCs are command centers established in other locations as alternative 
or to provide supplemental support to the NDOC. The number and location of ACCCs
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shall be determined by the Department as may be necessary in each of the country’s
major island groups. Temporary ACCC may likewise be established by the Department, 
if necessary.
SEC. 30. DRRTI functions and inter-agency knowledge sharing. -The DRRTI 
shall be a platform for providing training, and for collecting, consolidating, managing, 
analyzing, and/or sharing knowledge and information to improve and/or enhance 
disaster resilience. The DRRTI shall:
a. Establish reliable and up-to-date IDRIS through close and seamless 
collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST),
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and other 
appropriate agencies;
b. Conduct disaster-related research programs, seminars, and trainings for all 
types of stakeholders;
c. Consolidate, organize and/or prepare training materials and publications;
d. Conduct other activities consistent with promoting the formation and 
dissemination of knowledge and information relating to disaster resilience and 
disaster management;
e. Establish a database that includes relevant Information from other government 
agencies and third parties for the department to better prepare and respond to 
natural hazards including, but not limited to, an Inventory of hazardous 
materials per area; and
f. Consult and coordinate with, and consolidate Information/data from, relevant 
government agencies, such as, but not limited to, DOST, LGUs and relevant 
CSOs to enhance the IDRIS and to promote knowledge sharing among all 
stakeholders.
SEC. 31. Compliance and Accreditation of DRRTI with International Standards.
- The Department shall strive to obtain certification from, and accreditation by, 
international accreditation bodies of the DRRTI to ensure DRRTT's compliance with 
international standards. The Department shall likewise ensure collaboration with key 
countries and international organizations to incorporate best practices on disaster 
resilience in the Department's policies and programs.
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ARTICLE VIII 
MAINSTREAMli^G
DISASTER RESILIENCE INFORMATION,
EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION CONVERGENCE 
SEC. 32. Integrated Disaster Resilience Information System. -The Department 
shall establish a National and Regional Information lv1anagement System for Disaster 
Resilience, which shall be a database of all relevant disaster risk reduction and climate 
change data, including a geographic information system on geo-hazard assessments 
and climate risk. It shall be the repository of current and multi- temporal Information 
for wide-scale disaster risk analysis. The IDRIS shall be accessible at all times to the 
responsible officials and entities to enable the timely, reliable, and accurate collection, 
processing, analysis, and dissemination of information to support overall decision­
making and effective coordination at both the national and sub-national level. The 
protocols and procedures for this shall be defined in the IRR of this Act.
SEC. 33. Disaster Resilience Education and Training. -To instill a culture of 
safety and security including emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency, the 
Department, in partnership with the public and private sectors shall encourage the 
inclusion of appropriate information on disaster resilience in their various training 
programs and Immersion activities. The Information Education and Communication 
materials on disaster resilience shall be informative and holistic, gender, culture and 
disability sensitive using various available platforms.
ARTICLE IX
DISASTER RISK TRANSFER,
INSURANCE AND INCENTIVES
SEC. 34. Disaster Risk Transfer Insurance and Soda! Welfare.. -
a. The Department shall oversee all disaster risk-sharing and risk-transfer 
Instruments and other related initiatives to ensure the protection of property 
and livelihood, both public and private.
b. The Department, in collaboration with the DOF, BSP, LBP, GSIS, and the 
Insurance Commission, shall create, establish, and implement, among 
others, disaster insurance pools, revolving funds, insurance and risk-
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C.
transfer schemes and/or facilities, and other financial disaster resilience 
measures to ensure the protection of public and/or private properties and 
livelihood against the adverse effects of natural disasters. For this purpose, 
the Department and/or DOF may engage or require the participation of 
government banks, insurance agencies and financial institutions.
To attain disaster resilience and to achieve the purposes of this Act, the 
Department shall have the discretion and authority to require government 
agencies and GOCCs to insure their assets and/or properties such as, among 
others, vessels, vehicles, equipment, machineries, permanent buildings, 
properties stored therein, or properties in transit, against insurable risks and 
pay the premiums therefor, to compensate the Government and/or GOCC,
as applicable, for any damage to, or loss of properties due to a natural 
disaster.
d. The Department shall endeavor the local government units to insure primary 
assets for unforeseen or contingent potential losses, damages and 
disruption from natural hazards chargeable against their respective Local 
Disaster Resilience Fund (LDRF).
SEC. 35, Recognition and Incentives, —The Department, in partnership with 
the private sector, shall estab.ish an incentives program that recognizes outstanding 
performance of LDRO, NGOs, CSOs, schools, hospitals, and other stakeholders in 
promoting and implementing significant disaster risk reduction management-climate 
change adaptation programs and innovations, and meritorious acts of individuals, 
groups or institutions during natural.
ARTICLE X
PREPAREDNESS AND INTEGRATED EARLY WARNING
SEC. 36. Standards for Disaster Preparedness Activities, — 
a. The Department shall establish standards and protocols for disaster 
preparedness, contingency planning, localizing and operationalizing disaster 
risk reduction and management, preparedness for disaster response, 
preparedness for early recovery, continuity of essential services, and other 
relevant preparedness activities.
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b. The LG Us shall identify safe and strategic sites, and establish evacuation 
centers with appropriate and adequate facilities in accordance with 
government-approved standards as provided under Republic Act No. 10821, 
otherwise known as "The Children's Emergency Relief Protection Act", to 
avoid disruption of school classes and lessen the use of school buildings and 
facilities as evacuation centers.
The LGUs shall immediately compensate said schools used as evacuation 
centers. The schools may seek compensation for renovation, replacement, or repairs 
of damaged facilities for such use.
SEC. 37. Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Risk Communication Standards. -
a. There shall be a streamlined policy governing early warning systems and risk 
communication protocols to ensure effective and efficient measures to prepare 
for, respond to and recover from potential risks and disasters.
b. The Department shall formulate and implement multi-hazard early warning 
protocols integrating all disaster preparedness systems in collaboration with 
local executives, community-based organizations, civil society organizations, 
and other non-governmental organizations for proper use and application.
SEC. 38. Eariy Warning Mandate. -
a. The Department shall issue an integrated early warning alert for the impending 
occurrence of hazards that will enable the public to prepare timely and act 
appropriately to minimize potential harm or loss.
b. The Department shall require mobile phone service providers to send out alerts 
at regular intervals in the event of an Impending natural hazard, in accordance 
with Republic Act No. 10639, otherwise known as the "Free Mobile Disaster 
Alerts Act".
The Department shall recognize and proactively support local or indigenous 
modes of early warning systems and allow open access to near real-time data 
from both local and international sources made available through various 
platforms such as websites, mobile apps, and social media to empower local 
communities and individuals.
c.
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d. Any person who transmits early warning concerning the abovementioned 
phenomena by means of signs in designs, colors, lights, or sound shall do so in 
compliance with the methods recognized or approved by the Department.
e. The Department at the national and local level shall use an integrated early 
warning system to ensure It is consistent and locally contextualized with the 
communication protocol and safe evacuation procedure of the affected 
commiunities.
f. The Department shall work with other agencies or organizations on pre-crisis 
Information mapping of the humanitarian needs of at-risk Communities that will 
enhance the overall prepositioning of resources at the national and local level.
g. The Department shall recognize and proactively support local or indigenous 
modes of early warning systems and allow open access to near real-time data 
from both local and international sources made available through various 
platforms such as websites, mobile apps, and social media to empower local 
communities and individuals.
ARTICLE XI
DISASTER RESPONSE AND EARLY RECOVERY 
SEC. 39. Declaration of State of Calamity. - The Department shall declare a 
cluster of barangays, municipalities, cities, provinces, and regions under a state of 
calamity, and the lifting thereof, based on the criteria set by the Department.
The declaration and lifting of the state of calamity may also be issued by the 
local Sanggunian, upon the recommendation of the LDRO, based on the results of the 
damage assessment and needs analysis: Provided, That through the Department, the 
LDRO may seek from the local legislative body or Sanggunian, the declaration of a 
state of imminent disaster to enable the local executives to implement pre-emptive 
evacuation and precautionary measures in order to save lives and minimize damage 
to property, loss and disruption of livelihood that require the use of funds and 
resources under the LDRF.
SEC. 40. Levels of Responsibility for Disaster Preparedness and Response. - 
The primary responsibility for disaster preparedness and response shall be exercised 
at the local or national level, as applicable, in close and seamless collaboration with
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the relevant national government instrumentalities, non-government stakeholders, 
and international partners. The four levels of responsibility and the conditions that 
warrant each are as follows:
LEVELS OF 
RESPONSIBILITY
RESPONSIBLE
OFFICIALS
CONDITIONS
Level 1: City or
Municipality
Lead Official:
Mayor of the affected city 
or municipality
Support:
City or Municipal Disaster 
Resilience Officer
If a disaster affects a 
single city or municipality
Level 2: Province
i
1
Lead Official:
Provincial Governor of the 
affected province
Support:
Provincial 
Disaster
Resilience Officer
Municipal and/or City 
Disaster 
Resilience
Officers concerned
If a disaster affects two or 
more municipaliiies and/or 
cities within a province
Level 3: Region
Lead Official:
Regional Director, DDR
Support:
Governors of affected 
provinces
Concerned 
Provincial
Disaster 
Resilience
Officers
Level 4: National
Lead Official:
Secretary of Disaster 
Resilience (SDR)
Support:
Governors concerned
Disaster 
Resilience
Officers concerned
a. If a disaster affects 
at least two (2) 
regions;
b. When the LGU is
unable 
to
effectively cope 
with the risk and/or 
impact of a hazard; 
or
c. When the President 
directs a Level 4
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response or 
declares a state of 
calamity
SEC. 41. Disaster Preparedness and Response in the NCR. - When at least two 
cities and/or municipality in the NCR are affected, the SDR shall be responsible for 
leading the disaster preparedness and response efforts, in collaboration with the 
affected LGUs, the MMDA, and the concerned government instrumentalities and non­
government stakeholders.
SEC. 42. Inter-Locai Government Assistance. - LGUs are hereby authorized to 
extend the necessary assistance to another LGU, whether through funding or donation 
of goods and/or services, and conducting disaster preparedness and response 
operations, to help save lives and minimize damage to property. These Include the 
pre-positioning and provision of basic goods, training of first responders, among
others, subject to the accounting and auditing rules to be defined in the IRR of this 
Act.
SEC. 43. Accreditation, Mobiiization, and Protection of Disaster Voiunteers and 
Nationai Service Reserve Corps, CSOs and the Private Sector. — The government 
agencies, CSOs, private sector and LGUs may mobilize individuals or organized 
volunteers to augment their respective personnel complement and logistical 
requirements in the delivery of disaster risk reduction programs and activities. The 
agencies, CSOs, private sector, and LGUs concerned shall take full responsibility for 
the enhancement, welfare and protection of volunteers, and shall submit the list of 
volunteers to the Department, through the LDROs, for accreditation and inclusion in 
the database of community disaster volunteers.
A national roster of Accredited Disaster Resilience Volunteers and Institutions, 
National Service Reserve Corps, CSOs and the private sector shall be maintained by
the Department through the LDROs. Accreditation shall be done at the municipal or 
city level.
The mobilization of volunteers shall be in accordance with this Act and 
implementing guidelines to be formulated by the Department. Any volunteer who 
incurs death or injury while engaged In any of the activities defined under this Act
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shall be entitled to compensatory benefits and individual personnel accident insurance 
as may be defined in the IRR.
SEC. 44. Reporting of Humanitarian Assistance. - The concerned local 
government unit shall submit a report to the Department, taking into account all 
domestic or international humanitarian assistance received and distributed within its 
area of responsibility.
ARTICLE XII
HUMANITARIAIM ASSISTANCE 
SEC. 45. Management of Humanitarian Assistance. ~
a. The Department shall have the power to receive and manage humanitarian 
assistance from any person or entity, whether from local or international 
sources.
b. The importation by, and humanitarian assistance to, the Department of, 
among others, food, clothing, medical assistance, equipment, and materials 
for relief, recovery and other disaster management activities are hereby 
authorized in accordance with Section 105 of the Tariff and Customs Code 
of the Philippines, as amended, and the prevailing provisions of the General 
Appropriations Act covering national internal revenue taxes and import 
duties of national and local government agencies.
SEC. 46. Internationai Humanitarian Assistance. - The Department shall 
promulgate guidelines on international humanitarian assistance, including the 
initiation, entry, facilitation, transit, regulation and termination thereof, as well as 
those involving international disaster relief and personnel assisting international 
actors, visa waiver, recognition of foreign professional qualifications entry of 
international disaster goods and equipment, and exemption from port duties, taxes, 
and restrictions.
SEC. 47. Assessment of the Need for International Humanitarian Assistance. -
a. Immediately after the declaration of a state of calamity by the local 
sanggunian of the relevant local government unit or by the Department, as 
the case may be, the Department shall determine whether domestic 
capacities are likely to be sufficient to attend to the needs of affected 
persons for international humanitarian assistance. This determination may
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also be made, at the discretion of the President, prior to the onset of an 
imminent disaster.
b. In the event of a determination by the Department that domestic response 
capacities are not likely to be sufficient due to the impact of the disaster, 
the Department shall recommend to the President that a request be made 
for international humanitarian assistance.
c. A determination that domestic capacities are likely to be sufficient and that 
international humanitarian assistance is therefore unnecessary may be 
reviewed and rescinded by the Department, with the approval of the 
President, at any time, in light of prevailing circumstances and available 
information.
SEC. 48. Humanitarian Assistance Action Center. - The Depariiment shall 
create an inter-agency one-stop shop mechanism called the Humanitarian Assistance 
Action Center (HAAC) for the processing and release of entry and facilitation of goods, 
articles or equipment and services and International relief workers for the provision of 
international humanitarian assistance and the processing of necessary documents for 
assisting international actors.
The Department shall lead and manage the HAAC, which shall be composed of 
the following:
a. Bureau of Customs;
Department of Foreign Affairs;
Department of Social Welfare and Development;
Department of Health;
Food and Drug Administration;
f. Department of Agriculture;
g. Department of Energy;
h. Department of National Defense;
i. 
Philippine National Police;
j. 
Philippine Coast Guard; and
k. Bureau of Immigration.
SEC. 49. Request for internationai Humanitarian Assistance. -
b.
c.
d.
e.
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a. In cognizance of the urgency, criticality and intensity of an imminent risk, 
the Department shall issue a flash appeal to the family of nations, under 
regional and multilateral conventions, for assistance in preparedness, 
Including preemptive measures, search, rescue, and retrieval, relief, 
recovery, and reconstruction.
b. The President may request international humanitarian assistance, upon the 
advice of the Secretary. Such request may be specifically directed to 
particular assisting international actors or may be a general request directed 
to the international community.
SEC. 50. Regulation of Humanitarian Assistance. -
a. The Department shall ensure the efficient and effective monitoring of 
humanitarian assistance from domestic or international donors, establish 
and operate a platform. Including an online platform, to facilitate, and 
provide public access to Information on donations.
b. The Department shall include in the IRR of this Act guidelines and 
accountabilities on the receipt, management, distribution, accounting, and 
reporting of all humanitarian assistance, whether in cash or in kind, 
consistent with the rules on the use of foreign and local aid during calamities 
and disasters issued by the COA and other relevant government agencies.
ARTICLE XIII
OFFER AND FACILITATION OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
TO FOREIGN STATES
SEC. 51. Offer and Facilitation of International Humanitarian Assistance to 
Foreign States. - In the event of a disaster occurring In a foreign state for which 
international humanitarian assistance is required, the Department, in coordination 
with the DFA, may offer, facilitate, provide, and deploy international humanitarian 
assistance to said foreign state, which shall be subject to guidelines to be promulgated 
by the Department for the purpose.
SEC. 52. Accreditation. - The Department, in coordination with relevant 
government agencies and organizations, shall provide and facilitate the necessary 
training and accreditation to the respective government personnel to be deployed for
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such Offer, facilitation and provision of international humanitarian assistance to a 
foreign state.
ARTICLE XIV 
RECOVERY
SEC. 53. Standards for Recovery. - The Department shall observe 
internationally accepted standards for recovery, planning, programming and 
implementation of the recovery process. Towards this end, the Department shall:
a. Improve the community’s physical, social and economic resilience, 
consistent with the principle of "building forward better";
b. Use locally-driven, centrally-supported processes based on legal mandates 
with supplementary capacity support when requested;
c. Redirect development outside danger zones to minimize loss of lives and 
structures resulting from typhoons, flooding, landslides, and other hazards
d. Employ outcome-driven planning and implementation;
e. Maximize use of Private-Public sector partnership where possible;
f. Consider local conditions such as culture, security situation and existing 
capacities of communities in identifying programs and projects;
g. Ensure access to public transport, physical and mental health services, 
markets, schools, sustainable livelihoods, and. other public services in 
planning for settlement areas; and
h. Ensure restoration of peace and order and recovery of government 
functions.
ARTICLE XV
REMEDIAL MEASURES UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY
SEC. 54. Declaration of State of Calamity. - A state of calamity may be 
declared when any of the following requisites are present:
a. A natural hazard. Including climate change, poses imminent threat to human 
life and/or danger to property; or
b. A significant impact is caused by a natural hazard or climate change, which 
demands immediate action.
The following shall exercise this power, respectively:
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a. The President, upon recommendation of the SDR, whether in whole or part 
of an area;
b. The SDR, upon recommendation of the RDRO, for disasters covering two or 
more provinces of the same region; and
c. The local sanggunian, upon recommendation of the concerned local disaster 
resilience office, within its jurisdiction.
SEC. 55. Remedial Measures understate of Calamity. - Upon the declaration 
of a state of calamity, the following remedial measures shall be immediately 
undertaken by concerned government agencies at the national and local levels:
a. Imposition of price celling on basic necessities and prime commodities by 
the Price Coordinating Council (PCC), as provided for under Republic Act no. 
7581. otherwise known as the "Price Act", as amended by Republic Act no. 
10623;
b. Monitoring, prevention and control by the Local Price Coordination Council 
of overpricing or profiteering and hoarding of prime commodities, medicines 
and petroleum products;
c. Programming or reprogramming of funds for the repair of critical facilities 
or public infrastructures that are vital for the quick delivery of humanitarian 
assistance, to reduce further threat to lives and arrest further deterioration 
of properties and loss of livelihoods in the affected communities, following 
the "build forward better" principle;
d. Grant of no-interest loans by government financing or lending institutions 
to the most vulnerable and marginalized groups or individuals;
e. Local tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs under such terms and conditions 
as may be deemed necessary by the affected local government unit; and
f. 
Use of alternative modes of procurement under Article XVI of this Act, by 
the Department, LGUs or the relevant government instrumentalities in 
relation to the urgent procurement of emergency works, goods or services 
to effectively respond to, quickly recover from disasters, and build forward 
better.
ARTICLE XVI 
PROCUREMENT
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SEC 56. Procurement — In general, the procurement rules provided under 
Republic 31 32 Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the "Government Procurement 
Reform Act", shall apply. However, alternative modes of procurement as provided in 
this Act may be resorted to by the Department, RDROs, or LGUs in any of the following 
emergency situations:
a. There is imminent danger to life or property during a state of calamity, as 
provided under this Act, and the procurement is necessary to avert or 
reduce such danger to life or property; or
b. The procurement Is necessary to restore vital public services, infrastructure 
facilities and other public utilities; or
c. Time is of the essence in Implementing a project, program or activity to 
effectively respond to a disaster and save lives or
d. There are other circumstances that require immediate procurement 
necessary to prevent damage to or loss of life or property.
SEC. 57. Alternative Modes of Procurement - During emergency situations as 
provided under this Act, the Department, RDROs or LGUs may resort to the following 
modes of procurement:
a. Direct negotiation under Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the 
"Government Procurement Reform Act", and its implementing rules and 
regulations;
b. Simplified or pre-arranged contracts such as, among others, pre-signed 
agreements, stand-by contracts, pre-arranged systems of procurement with 
a pre-approved list of contractors for construction projects, pre-negotlated 
contracts, advanced procurements contracts, and framework contracts. The 
parameters, requirements and conditions for these types of contracts shall 
be defined in this Act's IRR.
SEC. 58. Special Rules on Procurement for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation 
of Affected Areas. -
a. The Department, with the assistance of, or in collaboration with, relevant 
government agencies, shall create special rules on procurement for services, 
goods, and materials to be used for reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts 
in case of a natural disaster, including but not limited to, the construction
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of post-disaster shelters and provision of service contracts, to ensure the 
procurement of quality-oriented goods, materials, and equipment and to 
guarantee effective, efficient, and speedy procurement to achieve the goals 
of this act.
b. In case of procurement of services, goods, or materials for reconstruction 
and rehabilitation efforts, whether from local or International sources, the 
Department and the relevant government agencies shall provide less 
bureaucratic restrictions, more flexible procurement policies, or exemption 
from, or reduction of, customs duties
SEC. 59. Procurement from Qualified Suppliers or Contractocs. - As an 
exception to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the 
"Government Procurement Reform Act", and its Implementing rules and regulations, 
the Department shall have the power to procure goods and services from either local 
or foreign suppliers or contractors for purposes of implementing programs, projects, 
and activities related to disaster resilience and disaster management. The conditions, 
limitations, application processes, eligibility requirements and assessment criteria for 
local and foreign suppliers and contractors shall be provided in this Act’s IRR.
SEC. 60. Pre-Arranged Contracts or Agreements with Private Sector Entities. - 
Notwithstanding Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the "Government 
Procurement Reform Act", the Department shall have authority to enter into pre­
arranged or contingency contracts or agreements with private sector entities for the 
purpose of, among others, establishing, a logistics system for the efficient and prompt 
distribution of goods, equipment or other materials required for disaster response and 
management; securing food, medicines, fuel, or other supplies from groceries, 
pharmacies, gas stations or other sources in the event of a disaster in a specific area; 
ensuring an alternative source of power or water from private utilities in the event of 
a disaster in a specific area; or other arranging the Immediate supply of other goods, 
services or equipment necessary for disaster response and management. The 
conditions, limitations and parameters of contracts or arrangements authorized under 
this Section shall be provided in this Act's IRR.
SEC. 61. Other Procurement Rules and Policies, -In view of the urgency and 
to avoid unnecessary delays to procure goods, services, and implement projects for
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the purpose of providing responsive, effective, and efficient rescue, recovery, relief, 
and rehabilitation efforts for, and to continue the provision of basic services to, 
disaster victims or disaster affected areas, the DBM and GPPB shall issue appropriate 
resolutions, orders, and policies to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 62. Government Accounting and Auditing Poiicies. - The COA shall 
review, align, and issue policies or rules to improve the efficiency and expediency of 
procurement and audit processes for programs and projects related to disaster 
resilience and management.
ARTICLE XVII 
SPECIAL RULES ON TAXES
SEC. 63. Special Rules on Tax and Duties. -To facilitate prompt, efficient and 
effective response to, recovery from disasters, and building forward better in disaster- 
affected areas, the following shall be granted special exemptions from existing 
taxation laws, rules, and regulations:
a. Exemption from taxes and import duties for foreign disaster assistance or 
international donations coursed through the Department;
b. Exemption from donor's tax and allowing the treatment of donations as a 
deductible expense for local disaster assistance coursed through the 
Department;
c. Exemption from the Value Added Tax (VAT) for goods or services donated 
from abroad as coursed through the Department;
d. Tax Incentives to encourage members of the private sector to render aid or 
provide disaster assistance, and/or to invest in disaster resilience and 
climate change adaptation and mitigation measures for their residences, 
communities and/or businesses.
LG Us may also implement local tax rules that would grant disaster victims 
reasonable reduction, exemption, or deferment of local taxes or other types of tax 
assessments; or take other necessary action at the local level to provide tax relief to 
disaster victims.
ARTICLE XVIII
i 
PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES
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SEC. 64. Prohibited Acts. - Any public official, private person, group or 
corporation who commits any of the following prohibited acts shall be held liable and 
be subjected to the criminal and administrative penalties as provided for in Section 71 
of this Act, without prejudice to the imposition of other criminal, civil and 
administrative liabilities under existing laws.
a. Prohibited Acts of Public Officials. - The following acts, if committed by 
public officials without justifiable cause, shall be considered as gross neglect 
of duty:
1. Dereliction of duties that leads to destruction, loss of lives, critical 
damage of facilities and misuse of funds;
2. Failure to enforce laws, standards, or regulations such as the 
National Building Code, Solid Waste Management Act, Water Code, 
and other relevant laws, leading to destruction, loss of lives, and/or 
critical damage of facilities;
3. Failure to create a functional LDR Office within six (6) months from 
the approval of this Act;
4. Failure to appoint a permanent local disaster resilience officer within 
six (6) months from approval of this Act;
5. Failure to prepare and implement a Contingency and Adaptation Plan 
for hazards frequently occurring within their jurisdictions;
6. Failure to formulate and implement the LDRP with the corresponding 
budget allocation; and
7. Sexual exploitation and abuse and other forms of sexual misconduct 
on the affected population or at-risk communities.
b. Prohibited Acts of Public Officials and Private Persons or Institutions. -
1. Delay, without justifiable cause in the delivery, proper handling or 
storage of aid commodities, resulting to damage or spoilage; (2)
2. Withholding the distribution of relief goods due to (i) political or 
partisan considerations; (ii) discrimination based on race, ethnicity, 
religion, or gender; and (iii) other similar circumstances;
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3. Preventing the entry and distribution of reiief goods in disaster- 
stricken areas, including appropriate technology, tools, equipment, 
accessories, disaster teams or experts;
4. Buying, for consumption or resale, from disaster relief agencies any 
relief goods, equipment or other and commodities, which are 
intended for distribution to disaster-affected communities;
5. Buying, for consumption or resale, from the recipient disaster 
affected persons any relief goods, equipment or other aid 
commodities received by them;
6. Selling of relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities, which 
are intended for distribution to disaster victims;
7. Forcibly seizing relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities 
intended for or consigned to a specific group of victims or relief 
agency;
8. Diverting or misdelivery of reiief goods, equipment or other aid 
commodities to persons other than the rightful recipient or 
consignee;
9. Accepting, possessing, using or disposing relief goods, equipment or 
other aid commodities not intended for nor consigned to him or her;
10. Misrepresenting the source of relief goods, equipment or other aid 
commodities by:
i. Either covering, replacing or defacing the labels of the 
containers to make it appear that the goods, equipment or 
other aid commodities came from another agency or persons;
ii. Repacking the goods, equipment or other aid commodities 
into containers with different markings to make it appear that 
the goods came from another agency or persons or was 
released upon the instance of a particular agency, person, or 
persons; and
ill. Making false verbal claim that the goods, equipment or other 
and commodity in its untampered original containers actually
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came from another agency or persons or was released upon 
the instance of a particular agency, person, or persons;
11. Substituting or replacing relief goods, equipment or other aid 
commodities with the same items or inferior/cheaper quality;
12. Illegal solicitations by persons or organizations representing others 
as defined in the standards and guidelines set by the Department;
13. Deliberate use of false at inflated data in support of the request for 
funding, relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities for 
emergency assistance or livelihood projects;
14. Stealing, taking, or processing of any of the equipment, accessories 
and other vital facility or items or any part thereof;
15. Selling or buying stolen equipment, accessories, and other vital 
facility items or any part thereof;
16. Tampering with or stealing hazard monitoring and disaster 
preparedness equipment and paraphernalia;
17. Attempting to commit any of the abovementloned prohibited acts; 
and
18. Benefitting from the proceeds or fruits of any of the abovementloned 
prohibited acts knowing that the proceeds or fruits are derived from 
the commission of said prohibited acts.
SEC. 65. Penalties. - Any Individual, corporation, partnership, association or 
other juridical entity that commits any of the prohibited acts in the preceding section 
shall be made liable for the fol'owing:
a. The penalty of imprisonment of not less than twelve (12) years but not more 
than fifteen (15) years or a fine of not less than One Million Pesos (Php 
1,000,000.00) but not more than Three Million Pesos (Php3,000,000.00), or 
both imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court shall be imposed 
upon any person found guilty of violating subsections (a)(1) to (b)(16) of 
the preceding section, as well as the confiscation or forfeiture in favor of 
the government of the objects and the instrumentalities used in the 
commission of the prohibited acts;
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C.
b. The penalty of imprisonment of not less than six (6) years but not more 
than eight (8) years or a fine of not less thari Five Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(Php 500,000.00) but not more than One Million Pesos (Php 1,000,000.00), 
or both imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court, shall be 
Imposed upon any person who attempts to commit any of the prohibited 
acts in the preceding Section, in violation of Subsection (b)(17) thereof; 
The penalty of imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more 
than six (6) years or a fine of not less than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(Php 200,000.00) but not more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 
500,000.00), or both Imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court, 
shall be imposed upon any person found guilty of unlawfully benefiting from 
the proceeds or fruits of any of the prohibited in the preceding section, in 
violation of subsection (b)(18) thereof;
d. Aside from the penalty of fine or Imprisonment or both, perpetual 
disqualification from public office shall be imposed if the offender is a public 
officer, along with the confiscation or forfeiture in favor of the government 
of the objects and the instrumentalities used In the commission of any of 
the prohibited acts In the preceding section;
e. If the offender Is a corporation, partnership or association, or other juridical 
entity, the penalty shall be imposed upon the officer or officers of the 
corporation, partnership, association or entity responsible for the violation 
without prejudice to the cancellation or revocation of these entities' 
registration, license or accreditation issued to them by any licensing or 
accredited body of the government. If such offender is an alien, he or she 
shall, in addition to the penalties prescribed in this act, be deported without 
further proceedings after service of sentence;
f. 
Payment of the full cost of repair or replacement of the government risk 
reduction and preparedness equipment, accessories and other vital facility 
items, or any part thereof; which Is the object of the crime shall likewise be 
imposed upon any person who shall commit any of the prohibited acts in 
the preceding Section; and
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g. The prosecution for offenses set forth under the preceding section shall be 
without prejudice to any criminal liability for violation of Republic Act No. 
3815, as amended, otherwise known as the "Revised Penal Code", and other 
existing laws, as well as the imposition of applicable administrative or civil 
liabilities.
SEC. 66. Liability for Unlawful Performance of Duties and State Liability in case 
of Defense Litigation. - In case a lawsuit Is filed against any personnel of the 
Department as a result of the performance of his or her duties, and such performance 
was found to be lawful, or she shall be reimbursed by the Department for reasonable 
costs of litigation. For this purpose, the Department Is authorized to procure applicable 
liability insurance for its officers and employees.
SEC. 67. Disciplinary Powers of the President -The President, subject to the 
recommendation of the Department Secretary and the Department of the Interior and 
Local Government (DILG), shall have the power to impose administrative sanctions 
against local chief executives and barangay officials for willful or negligent acts that 
relate to the implementation of, or compliance with, this Act and its IRR or relating to 
their official functions, which adversely affect disaster resilience projects such as, but 
not limited to, delayed Issuance of permits or failure to implement local ordinances.
ARTICLE XIX
DISASTER RESILIENCE FUND
SEC. 68. Appropriations and Management of Disaster Resilience Fund. -The 
budget of the Department shall be composed of the following, which shall be 
collectively called the Disaster Resilience Fund:
a. Annual General Appropriations - shall provide the funding requirements for, 
among others, research, operations, maintenance, plans, and programs of 
the Department of Disaster Resilience, Including, but not limited to, 
establishment of evacuation centers, retrofitting of structures, 
establishment of emergency operating centers, and implementation of other 
disaster risk reduction projects.
b. Disaster Contingency Fund - shall be in a lump-sum form to provide funds 
in case of imminent hazards or actual disasters for, among others,
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immediate response, relief and quick recovery measures for disaster 
affected areas.
c. Rehabilitation and Recovery Fund - shall provide the funding requirements 
for rehabilitation and/or reconstruction projects of disaster affected areas 
such as public classrooms, government buildings, public hospitals, 
permanent shelters and livelihood programs.
The Disaster Resilience Fund shall be managed by the Department to finance 
its operations, and disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, response, recovery, 
rehabilitation and building forward better programs, projects and activities formulated 
at the national level.
SEC. 69. Continuing Appropriations, - The unutilized balances from the 
Disaster Contingency Fund, and Rehabilitation and Recovery Fund shall be treated as 
Continuing Appropriations, which may be used to finance the cost of projects, 
programs, and/or activities even when such costs are incurred beyond the fiscal year 
of the GAA from which such funds were appropriated.
SEC. 70. Fund Regulations. - The DBM and COA shall establish rules and 
regulations that apply specifically to the Disaster Resilience Fund to ensure that funds 
required for disaster response, recovery, and rehabilitation are available and/or 
released efficiently and expeditiously through innovative budgeting and auditing 
mechanisms, which may include, among others, providing for longer validity periods 
for funds and/or exemption from cash-based budgeting rules; imposing auditing or 
reporting requirements, which apply specifically to the utilization of the Disaster 
Resilience Fund.
SEC. 71. Local Disaster Resilience Fund and Local Disaster Contingency Fund. 
-LGUs shall annually set aside not less than ten percent (10%) of their local budget, 
to constitute a Local Disaster Resilience Fund (LDRF). The LGU shall use its LDRF to 
maintain and operate its local disaster resilience office to maintain its officers, 
employees and staff, and to implement plans, programs and activities under its LDRP. 
Thirty percent (30%) of the LDRF shall be set aside as Local Disaster Contingency 
Fund (LDCF), which shall be used for disaster response and quick recovery measures. 
Nothing contained in this Act shall prevent LGUs from providing additional funding or
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allocating additional resources for disaster resilience activities, plans and programs 
within their jurisdiction.
SEC. 72. Supplemental LDRF. - The Department may allocate and disburse 
funds to supplement an LCD's LDRF based on the parameters and requirements 
indicated in the IRR. In determining such parameters and requirements, the IRR shall 
aim to provide supplemental funds to LCDs with low income and/or high exposure to 
naturai hazards. Supplemental LDRFs shall, as much as possible, fill gaps or shortages 
in LCD resources to ensure that LCDs can implement disaster resilience measures such 
as, among others, implementing their LDRP/Provincial LDRP, establishing their local 
disaster resilience offices, obtaining and/or maintaining the necessary equipment and
staff in their local disaster resilience offices, and Implementing the NDRF and at the 
local levels.
SEC. 73. People 's Survival Fund. - The Department shall manage and 
administer the People's Survival Fund, created under Republic Act no. 10174, and 
facilitate its utilization by LCDs, through RDROs, to implement climate change 
adaptation and mitigation projects of LCDs and enhance the climate resilience of 
vulnerable communities.
SEC. 74. Multi-Donor Trust Fund. -The Department shall create and manage, 
together with the Bureau of Treasury, a Multi-Donor Trust Fund for the processing, 
releasing and accounting of money and other similar resources intended for disaster 
assistance. The Department shall establish a system to ensure transparency In the 
management and use of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
ARTICLE XX
SPECIAL COURTS AMD INJUNCTIONS
SEC. 75. Special Courts on Disaster Resilience Matters. —To ensure the prompt 
and expeditious resolution of disputes relating to disaster response, recovery or 
rehabilitation measures, the Supreme Court shall designate special courts to hear, try, 
and decide cases arising from the following, among others:
a. Expropriation, eminent domain or right-of-way issues related to the 
implementation of disaster resilience projects;
b. Failure to comply with standards for disaster risk reduction and continuity 
planning, including, but not limited to, infrastructure standards and designs;
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I
i; c. Commission of prohibited acts under Article XVIII of this Act; and
Ii d. Disputes involving donations, relief goods, or contracts executed or
I implemented pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
•: SEC. 76. Dispute Resolution Mechanisms. -The Department shall establish a 
Disaster Resolution Board, which shall resolve disputes involving administrative 
matters related to:
a. Accreditation or denial of accreditation of disaster resilience training 
institutions, trainers, instructors, donors, volunteers, and Assisting Domestic 
or International Actors;
b. Decisions of the RDROs;
c. Contracts entered Into by the Department or any of Its agents pursuant to 
the provisions of this Act; and
d. Other administrative matters or issues as may be determined by the 
Department.
The composition, structure, and other organizational matters related to the DRB 
shall be defined and provided in this Act’s IRR.
SEC. 77. Imposition of Temporary Restraining Order. - No Court, except the 
Supreme Court, shall have the power to issue an injunction or a temporary restraining 
order against any action taken or projects implemented by the Department or its 
agents pursuant to this Act.
ARTICLE XXI 
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 78. Transfer of Functions. -The following are hereby transferred to the 
Department:
a. All the functions of the Climate Change Commission (CCC);
b. Natural disaster-related functions of the National Disaster Risk Reduction 
and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD); 
and
c. Natural disaster-response functions of the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development (DSWD).
Accordingly, the CCC and NDRRMC are hereby abolished. The DILG, DND, 
DSWD, and other relevant government instrumentalities, including the AFP, BFP, PNP,
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PCG, and OCD, shall continue to perform their functions related to the management 
of human-induced disasters, as provided by existing iaws.
SEC. 79. Transfer of Resources. -The transfer of powers and functions listed 
above shall include the corresponding funds and appropriations, plantilla positions, 
data, records, equipment, facilities, properties and other resources of the concerned 
government instrumentalities. The Department shall have the power to reorganize or 
reallocate these resources and positions, as may be necessary to attain the goals and 
objectives of this Act.
SEC. 80. Program Management Office for the Earthquake Resiliency of the 
Greater Metro Manila Area. -The Program Management Office for the Earthquake 
Resiliency of the Greater Metro Manila Area (PMO-ERG), as created pursuant to and 
mandated by Executive Order no. 52, s. 2018, shall he attached to the Department 
and be authorized to implement earthquake resiliency programs, projects, and 
activities, as it may deem necessary to carry out its mandate and attain its overall 
goals. The Head of the PMO-ERG shall report directly to the SDR.
SEC. 81. Post-Disaster Shelters. - The Department shall establish a post- 
disaster shelter recovery policy framework for low-income/informal settler families, 
with the assistance of the appropriate housing agencies and the applicable LGUs. It 
shall determine, among others, the appropriate shelter modalities depending on the 
following phases: emergency, temporary or transitional, and permanent. The 
Department shall likewise identify, assess, and decide on safe zones for the 
implementation of recovery or rehabilitation projects.
SEC. 82. Cultural Heritage. -To protect, preserve, and promote the nation's 
historical and cultural heritage, the Department shall assist the relevant cultural and 
heritage agencies and the appropriate LGUs to give priority protection and restoration 
to all national cultural treasures or national historical landmarks, sites, or monuments 
In post-disaster recovery or rehabilitation measures.
SEC. 83. Indigenous People. - The Department, with the assistance of the 
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) end the applicable LGUs, shall 
devise and Implement mechanisms that foster social protection for indigenous 
communities that are vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters.
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The Department shall ensure respect for, and protection of, the traditional 
resource right of the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) 
to their ancestral domains, and recognize the customary laws and traditional resource 
use and management, knowledge, and practices in ancestral domains.
In ancestral domains that are disaster-prone, the Department, with the 
assistance of the NCIP and applicable LGUs, shall create an Ancestral Domain Disaster 
Management and Resiliency Plan. It shall likewise properly communicate and explain 
information on disaster risks in ancestral domains with the concerned ICCs/IPs and, 
as much as possible, engage such ICCs/IPs in jointly formulating a disaster resiliency 
plan for their ancestral domain.
SEC. 84. Incentives Program. -The Department shall establish an incentives 
program that recognizes the outstanding promotion and implementation by local 
disaster resilience offices, CSOs, academe, and other institutions of disaster resilience 
programs and/or projects, and the meritorious acts of individuals or entities during 
natural disasters.
SEC. 85. Structural Audit of Government Buildings and Critical Infrastructure, 
-The Department shall be assisted by the DPWH, DOTr, Department of Energy (DOE), 
DOH, DepEd, DICT, DILG, local building officials, and other relevant government 
instrumentalities and stakeholders, in ensuring the effective and expeditious conduct 
of structural audit, as often as necessary, on government buildings, critical 
Infrastructure, and private structures to attain the disaster risk reduction goals of this 
Act.
SEC. 86. Transitory Provision. - The functions, assets, funds, equipment, 
properties, transactions, and personnel of the affected and transferred agencies, and 
the formulation of the internal organic structure, staffing pattern, operating system, 
and revised budget of the Department, shall be completed within one (1) year from 
the effectivity of this Act, during which time the existing personnel shall continue to 
assume their posts on holdover capacity. The Department, in collaboration with the 
DBM, shall come up with its Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern, both of 
which shall be approved within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act.
The Secretary of National Defense shall serve as the interim SDR until such 
time that the SDR has been appointed and taken his/her oath of office. Upon
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assumption to duty, the SDR shall make use of the existing structure, systems, and 
personnel in responding to natural hazards and disasters within the transition period.
In accordance with Section 12 of this Act and the critical importance of 
attracting the most competent and dedicated personnel to the Department, suitable 
and qualified career personnel from the NDRRMC-OCD, DSWD, and the CCC, as 
defined by the CSC and other pertinent rules, may be absorbed by the Department. 
The system and mechanics for this shall be defined in the IRR of this Act.
SEC. 87. Magna Carta Benefits. - Qualified employees of the Department, 
including those of its attached agencies, shall be covered by and entitled to the 
benefits under Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for 
Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other 5 &T Personnel In the Government, and 
Republic Act No. 7305, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers.
SEC. 88. Hazard Pay. - All personnel of the Department and the local disaster 
resilience offices are entitled to receive hazard pay, subject to the guidelines to be set 
forth in the IRR of this Act.
SEC. 89. Separation Benefits of Off dais and Employees of Affected Agendes. 
- National government employees displaced or separated from service as a result of 
this Act shall be entitled to either separation pay and other benefits in accordance 
with existing laws, rules, or regulations, or be entitled to avail themselves of the 
privileges provided under a separation plan that shall be one and one-half month 
salary for every year of service In the government.
In no case shall there be any diminution of benefits under the separation plan 
until the full implementation of this Act. With respect to employees who are not 
retained by the Department, the government, through the Department of Labor and 
Employment, shall endeavor to implement training, job counseling, and job placement 
programs.
SEC. 89. Appropriations. -The amount necessary for the Initial implementation 
of this Act shall be taken from the current fiscal year's unexpended and unobligated 
appropriations of all agencies herein absorbed, transferred, and attached to the 
Department. Thereafter, the amounts necessary for the operation of the Department 
and the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act.
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SEC, 90. Implementing Ru/es and Regulations. -The Department, DBM, DND, 
DOF, DILG, DOST, NEDA, and the PMS shall collectively craft and issue, within ninety 
(90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Implementing Rules and Regulations 
(IRR) for the effective implementation of this Act. They may call upon other relevant 
government instrumentalities and stakeholders to assist in the crafting of the IRR.
SEC. 91. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Disaster Resilience. — 
There shall be created a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Disaster 
Resilience to monitor the implementation of this Act. The committee shall be 
composed of six (6) Members of the House of Representatives and six (6) Senators to 
be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of 
the Senate, respectively; Provided. That; two (2) Members of the House of 
Representatives and two (2) Senators shall come from the Minority of their respective 
houses of Congress. The committee shali be jointly chaired by a Member of the House 
of Representatives and a Senator designated by the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives and the President of the Senate, respectively.
SEC. 92. Mandatory Review. - Within five (5) years after the effectivity of this 
Act, or as the need arises, the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee cn Disaster 
Resilience shall conduct systematic evaluation of the accomplishments and impact of 
this Act, as well as the performance of the Department of its mandate and functions, 
for purposes of determining remedial legislation.
SEC. 93. Interpretation. - Any doubt in the interpretation of any provision of 
this Act shall be resolved in favor of a liberal interpretation that will fulfill the objectives 
of this Act, especially In relation to the provision of effective, efficient and timely 
disaster response, rehabilitation and recovery.
SEC. 94. Separability Cause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions or parts thereof not otherwise affected 
shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 95. Repealing Cause. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 10121, 
Republic Act No. 7160, Republic Act No. 7916, Republic Act No. 9184, and all other 
laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations and ot! .er executive issuances, which 
are not consistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed 
or amended.
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SEC. 96. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
2 
publication in the Official Gazette or In a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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