NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No.
25 .IAN20 "5 34
m:cfi'
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC DISASTER RISK 
REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines has consistently ranked the highest in the World Risk 
Index (WRI) among 193 countries as the country regularly faces typhoons, 
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural and human-induced hazards. Public 
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) workers are at the forefront of 
addressing these challenges. They play a vital role in mitigating disaster risks, 
responding to emergencies, and aiding communities in their recovery efforts. Despite 
the significance of their contributions, DRRM workers often face inadequate support, 
insufficient benefits, and challenging working conditions, which limit their ability to 
perform effectively and sustainably.
The proposed Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management 
(DRRM) Workers seeks to address these gaps by institutionalizing measures that 
protect their welfare, promote professional growth, and enhance their capacity to 
deliver critical services. The bill aims to improve the socio-economic and psychological 
well-being of DRRM workers by creating better working environments, improving 
terms of employment, and providing robust benefits. It also focuses on 
professionalizing the DRRM workforce by offering capacity-building opportunities.


scholarships, and career advancement programs to ensure they are equipped for their 
demanding roles.
Key provisions of the bill include hazard allowances for high-risk activities, 
mandatory insurance coverage, and access to health, psychosocial, and medical 
services. DRRM workers will also be entitled to allowances for overtime, night shifts, 
and fieldwork. The bill ensures equitable work conditions by protecting workers from 
discrimination, safeguarding their security of tenure, and offering housing and 
transportation allowances.
Accountability and transparency are central to this bill, as it provides clear 
guidelines for grievance handling, administrative processes, and disciplinary 
measures. The bill also aligns with the goals of Republic Act No. 10121, the Philippine 
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Act of 2010, by equipping DRRM 
workers with the tools and resources necessary to perform their duties effectively and 
sustainably.
The proposed Magna Carta recognizes the critical role of DRRM workers in 
protecting the lives and properties of Filipinos. It acknowledges that investing in their 
welfare is an investment in the nation's disaster resilience and readiness. It will 
institutionalize these essential reforms, ensuring that DRRM workers are empowered, 
protected, and motivated to serve with excellence. This, in turn, will contribute to 
building a safer, more disaster-resilient Philippines.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
S. No.
SENATE
2927
25 ,jAN 20
■34
RHCEI -:
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC DISASTER RISK 
REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT WORKERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shali be known as the "Magna Carta for Public
2 
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Workers".
3 
Sec. 2. Statement of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to:
4 
a) Uphold the people's constitutional rights to life and property by addressing
5 
the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the country's
6 
institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management, and
7 
building the resilience of local communities to disasters including climate
8 
change impacts;
9 
b) Recognize and strengthen the capacities of Local Government Units (LGUs)
10 
and communities in mitigating, preparing for, responding to, and recovering
11 
from the impact of hazards and disasters; and
12 
c) Enhance the implementation of Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known
13 
as the "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010" by
14 
enacting measures with special reference to the welfare of all Public DRRM
15 
Workers in the country.
16 
Towards this end, this Act aims to:
1


1 
a) Promote and improve socio-economic and psychological well-being of
2 
Public DRRM Workers, through the improvement of working conditions,
3 
environment and terms of employment;
4 
b) Promote the development of skills and capabilities of Public DRRM
5 
Workers for them to be more responsive and be better equipped for the
6 
delivery of DRRM services and programs; and
7 
c) Encourage those with proper qualifications and excellent abilities to join
8 
and remain in the government service and DRRM profession.
9 
Sec. 3. Definition. - For purposes of this Act, "Public DRRM Workers" refers to
10 
all persons who are engaged in the performance of duties covering any or all Thematic
11 
Pillars of DRRM - Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and
12 
Rehabilitation and Recovery - employed by the government or any of its political
13 
subdivisions, instrumentalities, or agencies. The Public DRRM Worker may either be
14 
civilian personnel engaged in a permanent, temporary, contractual, or casual
15 
employment or a Public DRRM Worker engaged through a Contract of Service (CoS)
16 
and Job Order (JO) and such other appointments, so long as their position or
17 
designation or actual work performed involves government service work and those
18 
functions provided under Section 5 of this Act.
19 
Sec. 4. Certification. - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
20 
Council (NDRRMC), shall be the certifying body to oversee the following: (i) That the
21 
DRRM functions or activities of an agency or LGU are authorized by law and/or proper
22 
authority; (ii) The positions are part of the authorized staffing of the organizational
23 
units performing the DRRM functions; and (iii) Monitor that the incumbents thereof
24 
are actually engaged in DRRM work.
25 
Sec. 5. Classification of DRRM Activities. - The following DRRM activities shall
26 
be classified according to the risks involved based on the nature of work or location
27 
they are working in:
28 
a) Low Risk DRRM Activities - DRRM activities that subject a Public DRRM
29 
Worker to minimal exposure or lesser degree of occupational risks or perils
30 
to life, such as but not limited to, regular office or clerical work and those
31 
personnel that are not deployed for DRRM activities in high-risk areas.
32 
b) High Risk DRRM Activities- DRRM activities that expose the Public DRRM


1 
Worker to occupational risks or perils to life, such as but not limited to,
2 
search, rescue, and retrieval operations, management of the dead and
3 
missing, rapid damage needs assessment, post-disaster needs assessment,
4 
emergency response activities, post-disaster activities, health and
5 
epidemic/pandemic response operations, and Low Risk DRRM Activities in
6 
high-risk areas such as those Public DRRM workers deployed in identified
7 
activities under the different Thematic Pillars and in critical areas that are
8 
about to be affected, is affected, and during the early recovery from natural
9 
or human-induced hazards. Such activities shall also cover those that are to
10 
be performed in high-risk areas. Low Risk DRRM activities shall be
11 
considered as high risk DRRM activities when the same is being performed
12 
in an affected area or in areas deemed high risk; Provided, that the
13 
determination of such classification shall be under the discretion of the
14 
respective heads of agencies concerned.
15 
Sec. 6. Recruitment and Qualification. - Recruitment policy and minimum
16 
requirements with respect to the selection and appointment and/or assignment of
17 
Public DRRM Workers shall be developed by the NDRRMC in accordance with the
18 
policies and standards of the Civil Service Commission and implemented by the
19 
respective agencies concerned: Provided, that in the absence of eligibles and it
20 
becomes necessary in the public interest to fill a vacancy, a temporary appointment
21 
shall be issued to the person, including persons with disability (PWD), who meets all
22 
the requirements for the position to which he/she is being appointed except the
23 
appropriate civil service eligibility: Provided, further, that such temporary appointment
24 
shall not exceed twelve (12) months nor be less than three (3) months, renewable
25 
only once thereafter but that the appointee may be replaced sooner if (a) a qualified
26 
civil service eligible becomes available, or (b) the appointee is found wanting in
27 
capacity or delivering poor performance or conduct unbefitting a government
28 
employee.
29 
Sec. 7. DRRM Volunteers. -DRRM Volunteers shall not be covered by this Act,
30 
but shall otherwise be covered by the Guidelines on Accredited Community Disaster
31 
Volunteers (ACDV) and pursuant to Section 9(o) of RA 10121 and its implementing


1 
rules and regulations issued by the NDRRMC. For those that are not covered by the
2 
ACDV Guidelines, their respective organizations shall provide ample protection to their
3 
personnel-volunteers in consonance with the provisions of this Act.
4 
Sec. 8. Non-permanent Public DRRM Workers. - Non-permanent Public DRRM
5 
Workers engaged by the Government, such as Job Order, Contract of Service
6 
personnel, and consultants may be provided with such welfare benefits under Sections
7 
25, 26, and 32 of this Act in relation to the performance of their duties as premiums
8 
thereof should their contracts require or allow them to provide services that are
9 
deemed high risk in nature: Provided, that the Non-permanent Public DRRM Worker
10 
shall secure a certification from the head of agency or its duly designated
11 
representative that he/she has performed either of the DRRM functions or activities
12 
as provided for under Section 5 of this Act as a requirement to avail such benefits.
13 
Sec. 9. Performance Evaluation and Merit Promotion. - All concerned agencies,
14 
in consultation under Section 39 of this Act, shall prepare a uniform career and
15 
personnel development plan applicable to all Public DRRM Workers. Such career and
16 
personnel development plan shall include provisions on merit promotion, performance
17 
evaluation, in-service training grants, job rotation, and incentive and award system.
18 
The performance evaluation plan shall consider foremost the improvement of
19 
individual employee efficiency and organizational effectiveness: Provided, that each
20 
employee shall be informed regularly by his/her supervisor of his/her performance
21 
evaluation. The merit promotion plan shall be in consonance with the rules of the Civil
22 
Service Commission.
23 
Sec. 10. Transfer or Geographical Reassignment of Public DRRM Workers.-
24 
a) Transfer is the movement of an employee from one organizational unit to
25 
another in the same department or agency or from one department or
26 
agency to another which is of equivalent rank, level, or salary without gap
27 
in service. On the other hand. Re-assignment is a movement of an employee
28 
across the organizational structure within the same department or agency
29 
which does not involve a reduction in rank, level, or salary. A transfer
30 
requires an issuance of appointment while geographical re-assignment does
31 
not.


1 
b) A Public DRRM Worker shall not be transferred and/or reassigned, except
2 
when made in the interest of public service, in which case, the employee
3 
concerned shall be informed of the reasons therefor in writing. If the Public
4 
DRRM Worker believes that there is no justification for the transfer and/or
5 
reassignment, he/she may appeal his/her case to the Civil Service
6 
Commission. In case of an appeal, the transfer/reassignment shall be held
7 
in abeyance and shall only take effect if the appeal is denied: Provided, that
8 
no transfer and/or reassignment shall be made for reasons merely of
9 
political affiliation; Provided further, that no transfer and/or reassignment
10 
whatsoever shall be made three (3) months before and three (3) months
11 
after any local or national elections: Provided furthermore, that the
12 
transfer/reassignment of Public DRRM Workers' nature of work shall remain
13 
to be DRRM in nature; Provided finally, that the necessary expenses of the
14 
transfer and/or reassignment of the Public DRRM Worker and his/her
15 
immediate family shall be paid for by the Government.
16 
Sec. 11. Married Public DRRM Workers. - Whenever possible, the proper
17 
authorities shall take steps to enable married couples, both of whom are Public DRRM
18 
Workers, to be employed or assigned in the same LGU or government agency, but not
19 
necessarily in the same office department or division.
20 
Sec. 12. Security of Tenure. - In case of permanent employment of Public DRRM
21 
Workers, their services shall not be terminated except for cause provided by law and
22 
after due process: Provided, that if a Public DRRM Worker is found by the Civil Service
23 
Commission to be unjustly dismissed from work, he/she shall be entitled to
24 
reinstatement without loss of seniority rights and to his/her back wages with applicable
25 
commensurate interest, subject to prevailing laws and policies computed from the
26 
time his/her compensation was withheld from his/her up to the time of reinstatement.
27 
Sec. 13. Protection from Discrimination. - Public DRRM Workers shall be
28 
protected from discrimination regardless of their sex, age, gender, sexual orientation,
29 
race, ethnicity, pregnancy, physical disability or characteristics, civil status, creed,
30 
religious and political beliefs, or any other status in the exercise of his/her profession:
31 
Provided, that the disability of the Public DRRM Worker shall not limit his/her effective
32 
performance of the DRRM profession which he/she is hired and/or appointed to.


1 
Sec. 14. Duties and Obligations. -The Public DRRM Worker shall:
2 
a) Perform his/her duty with utmost respect for life;
3 
b) Exercise his/her functions without consideration to race, sex, ethnicity,
4 
gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, party policies, and social
5 
status;
6 
c) Discharge his/her duty humanely with conscience and dignity;
7 
d) Be duty-ready at all times and prepared to be deployed in any kind of
8 
emergencies and disasters, adhering to all emergency protocol: Provided,
9 
That in the event where the family of the Public DRRM Worker is directly
10 
affected by the disaster, he/she shall first ensure their safety and well-
11 
being;
12 
e) Be properly trained and proficient in his/her assigned position and tasks;
13 
f) Always endeavor to maintain a level of health and fitness consistent with
14 
the demands of the DRRM profession;
15 
g) Actively participate in all in-service training, drills, and simulation exercises
16 
that will enhance his/her capacity in performing his functions as a Public
17 
DRRM Worker;
18 
h) Be familiar with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan,
19 
Contingency Plans, and Public Service Continuity Plan of the agency or LGU
20 
to which they are employed or engaged and contribute in their Occupational
21 
Safety and Health efforts;
22 
i) Conduct needs assessment as part of risk reduction and planning;
23 
j) Not consume liquor or any substances, legal or illegal, prior or while in the
24 
performance of duties that could impair his/her vigilance or judgment;
25 
k) Maintain an in-depth understanding of the emergency and DRRM
26 
procedures;
27 
I) Practice utmost safety and diligence in the performance of duty; and
28 
m) Always adhere that Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is first and foremost
29 
the most essential and that the same saves lives.
30 
Sec. 15. Code of Conduct. - Within six (6) months from the approval of this Act,
31 
the NDRRMC, upon consultation with the appropriate agencies and instrumentalities
32 
of the government, and appropriate DRRM worker's organizations, shall formulate and


1 
prepare a Code of Conduct for Public DRRM Workers, in consonance with Republic Act
2 
No. 6713 or the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
3 
Employees", which shall be disseminated as widely as possible.
4 
Sec. 16. Administrative Charges. - Administrative charges against a DRRM
5 
Worker shall be heard by a committee created by the agency/office where the Public
6 
DRRM Worker belongs pursuant to the existing "Revised Rules on Administrative Cases
7 
in the Civil Service (RRACCS)". The committee shall submit its findings and
8 
recommendations to the head of agency/office within thirty (30) days from the
9 
termination of the hearings.
10 
The Committee shall be appointed by the Head of Agency or LGU and shall be
11 
composed of seven (7) members, including the Chairperson. It shall be composed of
12 
the following:
13 
a) Second highest ranking official, for NGAs, or Vice-Mayor for LGUs, or Vice-
14 
Governor for Provincial Level, as its Chairperson;
15 
b) The Head of Human Resource as its Vice-Chairperson;
16 
c) One (1) Division Chief with a salary grade of not lower than 22;
17 
d) Two (2) Section Chiefs or employees with salary grade of not lower than
18 
18;
19 
e) One (1) representative from a recognized Public DRRM Worker's association
20 
or its equivalent; Provided, that the said representative also belongs to the
21 
agency, and in the absence thereof, an employee with a salary grade of not
22 
lower than 18; and
23 
f) One (1) representative from the legal section or division, or its equivalent.
24 
The Head of Office may reorganize the composition of the Committee in such
25 
cases where one or more members of the Committee is/are the interested party or in
26 
cases necessary to discharge the functions of the Committee, such as when the
27 
prescribed composition of the Committee cannot be met due to insufficiency,
28 
unavailability, or absence of the position, rank, or office in the agency. In such case,
29 
the Head of Office shall exercise diligence in choosing the members in accordance
30 
with their ranks or functions consistent with the prescribed composition.
31 
Sec. 17. Legai Support. - Public DRRM Workers shall be exempted from any
32 
liability as to damage to any property or injury to a person caused in the direct


1 
performance of their duty relative to disaster or emergency response and other related
2 
activities where the same is necessary in order to save lives or properties, in
3 
accordance with Art. 11, par. 5 of the Revised Penal Code and/or other applicable laws
4 
and issuances. In any case, however, the Public DRRM Worker shall be afforded with
5 
appropriate assistance by their respective agency or LGU concerned in view that any
6 
conflict that may arise shall be resolved amicably or extra-judicially through
7 
commensurate and peaceful means.
8 
In cases where injury or death is involved and a case has been filed against the
9 
Public DRRM Worker, he/she shall be afforded with all possible legal assistance by the
10 
Agency or LGU concerned: Provided, that it is established by the Public DRRM Worker,
11 
through a Sworn Affidavit, that the injury or death caused is in direct connection of
12 
his/her duty, without any criminal or malicious intent.
13 
Sec. 18. Safeguards in Disciplinary Procedures. - In every disciplinary
14 
proceeding, the Public DRRM Worker shall have:
15 
a) the right to be informed, in writing, of the charges;
16 
b) the right to full access to the evidence in the case;
17 
c) the right to defend himself/herself and to be defended by a representative
18 
of his/her choice and/or by his/her organization, with adequate time given
19 
to the Public DRRM Worker for the preparation of his/her defense;
20 
d) the right to confront witnesses presented against him/her and summon
21 
witnesses in his/her behalf;
22 
e) the right to appeal to designated authorities;
23 
f) the right to reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in his/her
24 
defense in case of exoneration or dismissal of the charges; and
25 
g) such other rights as will ensure fairness and impartiality during proceedings.
26 
Sec. 19. Normal Hou/s of Work. -The normal hours of work of any Public DRRM
27 
Worker shall not exceed eight (8) hours a day or forty (40) hours a week.
28 
Hours worked shall include: a) all the time during which a Public DRRM Worker is
29 
required to be on active duty or to be at a prescribed workplace; and b) all the time
30 
during which a Public DRRM Worker is placed in On-Call status; Provided, that, a Public
31 
DRRM Worker particularly placed in "On Call" status shall be entitled to an "On Call"
32 
pay equivalent to fifty percent (50%) of his/her regular wage; Provided, further, that
8


1 
no Public DRRM Worker shall be placed "On-Call" status beyond seven (7) days per
2 
month.
3 
"On Call" status refers to a status where a Public DRRM Worker not on active
4 
duty is called upon to respond to urgent or immediate need for response-related
5 
activities relative to emergencies such that he/she cannot devote the time for his/her
6 
own use.
7 
Sec. 20. Overtime Work. - Where the exigencies of the service so require, any
8 
Public DRRM Worker may be required to render service beyond the normal eight (8)
9 
hours a day. In such a case, the workers shall be paid an additional compensation in
10 
accordance with existing laws and prevailing practices: Provided, that such
11 
compensation shall be subject to the same rates, conditions, and limitations applicable
12 
to qualified government personnel provided under relevant issuances of Civii Service
13 
Commission (CSC) - Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
14 
Sec. 21. Work During Rest Day. -
15 
a) Where a Public DRRM Worker is made to work on his/her scheduled rest
16 
day, he/she shall be paid an additional compensation in accordance with
17 
existing laws.
18 
b) Where a Public DRRM Worker is made to work on any special holiday he/she
19 
shall be paid an additional compensation in accordance with existing laws.
20 
Where such holiday work falls on the worker's scheduled rest day, he/she
21 
shall be entitled to an additional compensation as may be provided by
22 
existing laws.
23 
Sec. 22. Night-Shift Differentiai. -
24 
a) Every Public DRRM Worker shall be paid a night-shift differential of twenty
25 
percent (20%) of his/her regular wage for each hour of work performed
26 
during the night-shifts.
27 
b) Every Public DRRM Worker required to work on the period covered after
28 
his/her regular schedule shall be entitled to his/her regular wage plus the
29 
regular overtime rate and an additional amount of twenty percent (20%) of
30 
such overtime rate for each hour of work performed between six (6) o'clock
31 
in the evening to six (6) o'clock in the morning.


1 
Sec. 23. Salaries. - In the determination of the salary scale of Public DRRM
2 
Workers, the existing applicable law on the salary scheme of government employees
3 
shall govern.
4 
a) Salary Scale for Local Public DRRM Worker - The salary scales of Public
5 
DRRM Workers whose salaries are appropriated by a municipality, city, or
6 
provincial government shall be based on the salary schedule being
7 
implemented by the LGU concerned;
8 
b) Salaries to be Paid in Legal Tender - Salaries of Public DRRM Workers shall
9 
be paid in legal tender of the Philippines or the equivalent in checks or
10 
treasury warrants: Provided, however, that such checks or treasury
11 
warrants shall be convertible to cash in any national, provincial, city or
12 
municipal treasurers' office or any banking institution operating under the
13 
laws of the Republic of the Philippines.
14 
c) Deductions Prohibited - No person shall make any deduction whatsoever
15 
from the salaries of Public DRRM Workers except under specific provision of
16 
law authorizing such deductions: Provided, however, that upon written
17 
authority executed by the Public DRRM Worker concerned, a) lawful dues
18 
or fees owing to any organization/association where such Public DRRM
19 
Worker is an officer or member; and b) premiums properly due all insurance
20 
policies, retirement and medicare shall be considered deductible.
21 
Sec. 24. Additional Compensation. - Notwithstanding Section 12 of Republic Act
22 
No. 6758 also known as the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989",
23 
Public DRRM Workers shall receive the following allowances: hazard allowance,
24 
subsistence allowance, reimbursement of allowable communication expense, longevity
25 
pay, laundry allowance, and quarters allowance.
26 
Sec. 25. Hazard Allowance. - As provided under Section 5 of this Act, Public
27 
DRRM Workers, who are exposed to high risks or perils to life in the performance of
28 
their duties and responsibilities, shall be compensated with hazard allowance
29 
equivalent to not exceeding twenty-five (25%) of their daily basic salary, and at least
30 
five percent (5%) for Public DRRM Workers exposed in low-risk activities when
31 
deployed to or are working in affected areas; Provided, that Public DRRM Workers
32 
under low risk DRRM activities shall be eligible to avail an increase hazard allowance
10


1 
equivalent to that of high risk DRRM Workers in the event that they are called to
2 
perform or are deployed for a limited period to high-risk DRRM activities, subject to
3 
appropriate computation of days rendered. The determination of the compensation of
4 
Hazard Allowance shall be based on the actual working days of exposure of the Public
5 
DRRM Worker to any given risks or perils to life.
6 
Sec. 26. Transportation, Communication, and Subsistence AHowance. - Public
7 
DRRM Workers who are required to render service in the field during emergencies and
8 
disasters in order to make their services available at any and all times, shall be entitled
9 
to full subsistence allowance of three (3) meals which may be computed in accordance
10 
with prevailing circumstances; Provided, that, no subsistence allowance shall be given
11 
in the event where the concerned agency has already prescribed meals for the Public
12 
DRRM Worker.
13 
Public DRRM workers required to report outside of their regular workstations
14 
other than responding to disasters or emergencies shall be entitled to such
15 
transportation and travel expenses pursuant E.O No. 77. s. 2019 or other existing
16 
budgeting, accounting and auditing guidelines as well as reimbursement of aliowable
17 
communication expenses.
18 
Sec. 27. Longevity Pay. - A monthly longevity pay equivalent to five percent
19 
(5%) of the monthly basic pay shall be paid to a Public DRRM Worker for every five
20 
(5) years of continuous, efficient, and meritorious services rendered as certified by the
21 
chief of office concerned, commencing with the Public DRRM Worker's service upon
22 
the effectivity of this Act.
23 
Those entitled to Longevity Pay can no longer avail of the Step Increment
24 
benefit due to length of service.
25 
Sec. 28. Laundry AHowance. - All Public DRRM Workers who are required to
26 
wear uniforms regularly shall be entitled to laundry allowance equivalent to One
27 
Hundred Fifty Pesos (Php 150) per month: Provided, that this rate shall be reviewed
28 
periodically and increased accordingly by the NDRRMC in consultation with the
29 
appropriate government agencies concerned taking into account existing laws and
30 
prevailing practices.
31 
Sec. 29. Housing. -All Public DRRM Workers who are on tour of duty and those
32 
who, because of unavoidable circumstances are forced to stay in their offices, shall be
11


1 
entitled to free living quarters within the office, or if such quarters are not available,
2 
shall receive quarters allowance as may be determined by their respective agencies.
3 
A qualified Public DRRM Worker who has no residence within a fifty (50)
4 
kilometer radius from such government facility or deployment area shall be granted
5 
quarters allowance at the local room rental rate in the area until free living quarters
6 
are available.
7 
Sec. 30. Medical, Mental, and Psychosocial Examination. - Compulsory medical,
8 
mental, and psychosocial examination shall be provided free of charge to all Public
9 
DRRM Workers before entering the service in the Government or its subdivisions and
10 
shall be repeated once a year during the tenure of employment of all Public DRRM
11 
Workers and every after deployment of Public DRRM Workers for more than three (3)
12 
days to seven (7) days in high-risk areas, as may be determined by the agency where
13 
the Public DRRM Worker belongs: Provided, that where medical examination shows
14 
that medical treatment, mental, or psychosocial intervention, and/or hospitalization is
15 
necessary for those already in government service, the treatment and/or
16 
hospitalization including medicines shall be provided free either in a government or a
17 
private hospital by the government entity paying the salary of the Public DRRM
18 
Worker; Provided, further, that the cost of such medical examination and treatment
19 
shall be determined by the respective agency who the Public DRRM Worker is engaged
20 
with and such amount be subject to process of the agency.
21 
In cases of extreme exposure to a traumatic experience while rendering DRRM
22 
Work, the agency shall, aside from those that are provided for above, provide
23 
necessary support for the rehabilitation of the Public DRRM Worker. A post medical
24 
examination shall be provided for the Public DRRM Worker prior to leaving the service.
25 
Section 31. Persona! Protective Equipment, Vaccination, and other Prophylaxes.
26 
- Public DRRM Workers, as frontliners in disaster response, shall be provided with
27 
appropriate personal protective equipment, free vaccinations and other prophylactic
28 
medicines against common and present diseases in the locality where the Public DRRM
29 
Worker is assigned. The immediate family of Public DRRM Workers deployed in high
30 
risk areas who are exposed to any highly contagious disease/illness shall also be
31 
entitled to vaccinations or any available immediate medical intervention.
12


1 
Sec. 32. Compensation for Work-Related Injuries and Sicknesses. - Public
2 
DRRM Workers shall be protected against the consequences of employment injuries
3 
or sickness in accordance with existing laws. Injuries or sickness incurred in line of
4 
duty shall be presumed work-connected.
5 
Sec. 33. Leave Benefits for Public DRRM Workers. - Public DRRM Workers are
6 
entitled to such vacation and sick leaves as provided by existing laws and prevailing
7 
practices: Provided, that in addition to the leave privileges now enjoyed by Public
8 
DRRM Workers - men and women Public DRRM Workers are entitled to such paternity
9 
and maternity leaves, respectively, provided by existing laws and prevailing practices:
10 
Provided, further, that upon separation of the Public DRRM Workers from service, they
11 
shall be entitled to all accumulated leave credits with pay. Public DRRM Workers are
12 
also entitled to rehabilitation leave privilege for physical, mental, or emotional
13 
injuries/damage sustained in the performance of official duties subject to the
14 
provisions under relevant issuances of Civil Service Commission (CSC) - Department
15 
of Budget and Management (DBM).
16 
Sec. 34. Capacity Building, Scholarship and Grants. - Public DRRM Workers shall
17 
undergo necessary training and other capacity building activities on a regular basis.
18 
They shall also be given opportunity to avail of scholarship benefits and grants for
19 
pursuing graduate and post-graduate studies in accordance with the existing rules to
20 
be Implemented by the concerned agencies or LGUs. Grantees of the program may
21 
study within the Philippines or abroad provided that the concerned agency or LGU
22 
shall provide strict measures to ensure continuity and render service obligation. The
23 
concerned agency shall give utmost preference to post-graduate DRRM-related studies
24 
in granting such benefits.
25 
Sec. 35. Mandatory Insurance Coverage. - Public DRRM Workers shall be
26 
entitled to insurance coverage as provided by the Social Security System (SSS) as
27 
mandated under Republic Act No. 8282 otherwise known as the "Social Security Law",
28 
by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) as provided by Republic Act No.
29 
8291 also known as "The Government Service Insurance System Act of 1997", by the
30 
Universal Health Care Act as mandated by RA No. 11223, and by the Philippine Health
31 
Insurance (Philhealth) as mandated by Republic Act No. 7875 or the "National Health
32 
Insurance Act of 1995", whichever is applicable. Further, public DRRM workers holding
13


1 
permanent positions and are assigned on field work shall also be entitled to personal
2 
accident insurance amounting to P300,000.00; at a minimum, it must include coverage
3 
for accidental death or dismemberment, permanent disability and hospitalization cost
4 
reimbursement.
5 
Sec. 36. Retirement Benefits for Public DRRM Workers - In recognition of the
6 
invaluable service rendered by Public DRRM Workers throughout their careers, the
7 
following retirement benefits shall be provided:
8 
a) Public DRRM Workers who have rendered at least 15 years of continuous
9 
service in the government, or have reached the age of 60, whichever comes
10 
first, shall be eligible for retirement benefits under existing laws, including the
11 
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) or other applicable pension
12 
programs.
13 
b) In addition to the standard retirement benefits. Public DRRM Workers will be
14 
entitled to an enhanced pension upon retirement based on their years of service
15 
and level of exposure to high-risk DRRM activities as determined by their
16 
agency. The enhanced pension will be equivalent to a minimum of 5% of the
17 
worker's average monthly salary for each year of high-risk duty performed.
18 
c) Public DRRM Workers who are retiring will be provided with transition
19 
assistance to help reintegrate into civilian life, including financial literacy
20 
programs, career counseling and job placement assistance and access to
21 
mental health support to cope with the transition
22 
d) In the event of the death of a Public DRRM Worker in service, the worker's
23 
dependents will be entitled to a survivor's pension and additional death benefits
24 
as provided under the existing laws and GSIS guidelines. The survivor's pension
25 
will be equal to a percentage of the worker's final salary, and will be provided
26 
to the worker's spouse, children, or other legal dependents.
27 
This provision seeks to recognize the long-term commitment and sacrifice of DRRM
28 
workers, while also ensuring their financial security upon retirement or in the case of
29 
their death in the line of service.
30 
Sec. 37. Creation of a Trust Fund for the Education of Dependents of Deceased
31 
DRRM Workers - There is hereby established a Public DRRM Workers' Education Trust
14


1 
Fund, which shall be used exclusively to provide educational assistance to the children
2 
and dependents of Public DRRM Workers who die in the line of service.
3 
The trust fund will be seeded through an initial appropriation from the national budget
4 
in the General Appropriations Act, as well as annual contributions from the Local DRRM
5 
Funds of the concerned agencies and LGUs. In addition, donations, grants, or other
6 
sources of funds may be accepted into the Trust Fund.
7 
The children or legal dependents of Public DRRM Workers who die in the line of duty
8 
are eligible for educational assistance. This benefit will cover primary, secondary, and
9 
tertiary education for a period of up to four (4) years of undergraduate studies in
10 
accredited institutions
11 
The NDRRMC, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and
12 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), will administer the distribution of funds,
13 
ensuring that the educational assistance is used solely for the purpose intended.
14 
An Advisory Board consisting of representatives from the NDRRMC, the Department
15 
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the families of deceased DRRM
16 
workers will be established to oversee the Fund's activities and ensure the efficient
17 
use of resources.
18 
Sec. 38. Right to Self-Organization. -Public DRRM Workers shall have the right
19 
to freely form, join or assist organizations or associations, to the extent allowable by
20 
law and/or existing policies, for purposes not contrary to law in order to defend and
21 
protect their mutual interests and to obtain redress of their grievances through
22 
peaceful concerted activities.
23 
Sec. 39. Freedom from Interference or Coercion. - It shall be unlawful for any
24 
person to commit any of the following acts of interference or coercion:
25 
a) to require as a condition of employment that a Public DRRM Worker shall
26 
not join a DRRM Workers' organization, association, or union or shall
27 
relinquish membership therein;
28 
b) to discriminate in regard to hiring or tenure of employment or any item or
29 
condition of employment in order to encourage or discourage membership
30 
in any DRRM Workers' organization, association, or union;
15


1 
c) to prevent a Public DRRM Worker from carrying out duties laid upon him/her
2 
by his/her position in the organization, association, or union, or to penalize
3 
him/her for the action undertaken in such capacity;
4 
d) to harass or interfere with the discharge of the functions of the Public DRRM
5 
Worker when these are calculated to intimidate or to prevent the
6 
performance of his/her duties and responsibilities; and
7 
e) to otherwise interfere in the establishment, functioning, or administration of
8 
DRRM Worker's organizations or unions through acts designed to place such
9 
organization or union under the control of government authority.
10 
Sec. 40. Consultation with Public DRRM Workers' Organizations. - In the
11 
formulation of national policies governing the social security of Public DRRM Workers,
12 
professional and Public DRRM Workers' organizations as well as other appropriate
13 
government agencies concerned shall be consulted by the NDRRMC. For this purpose,
14 
Management-DRRM Workers' Consultative Councils for national, regional and other
15 
appropriate levels shall be established and operationalized.
16 
Sec. 41. Human Resource Development/Management Study. - The Human
17 
Resource Department/Division of respective concerned agencies shall conduct a
18 
periodic human resource development/management study into, among others, the
19 
following areas:
20 
a) adequacy of facilities and supplies to render quality DRRM services to client
21 
population;
22 
b) opportunity for Public DRRM Workers to grow and develop their potentials
23 
and experience a sense of worth and dignity in their work;
24 
c) mechanisms for democratic consultation in government DRRM institutions;
25 
d) appropriate organizational and staffing patterns;
26 
e) ways and means of enabling the rank-and-file workers to avail of
27 
educational opportunities for personal growth and development;
28 
f) upgrading of working conditions, reclassification of positions and salaries of
29 
Public DRRM Workers to correct disparity vis-a-vis other professions such
30 
that positions requiring longer study be upgraded and given corresponding
31 
pay scale; and
16


1 
g) assessment of the national policy on exportation of skilled human resources
2 
to focus on how these resources could instead be utilized productively for
3 
the country's needs.
4 
Sec. 42. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The NDRRMC after consultation
5 
with appropriate agencies of the Government as well as professional and DRRM
6 
Workers' organizations or associations, shall formulate and prepare the necessary
7 
rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Moreover, the DBM, in
8 
coordination with the NDRRMC, shall issue the guidelines on the grant of
9 
compensation-related benefits to Public DRRM Workers. Rules and regulations issued
10 
pursuant to this Section shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication in a
11 
newspaper of general circulation.
12 
Sec. 43. Prohibition Against Double Recovery of Benefits. - Whenever other
13 
laws provide for the same benefits covered by this Act, the Public DRRM Worker shall
14 
have the option to choose which benefits will be paid to him/her. However, in the
15 
event that the benefits chosen are less than that provided under this Act, the worker
16 
shall be paid only the difference.
17 
Sec. 44. Prohibition Against Elimination and/or Diminution of Benefits. -
18 
Nothing in this law shall be construed to eliminate or in any way diminish benefits
19 
being enjoyed by Public DRRM Workers at the time of the effectivity of this Act.
20 
Sec. 45. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the implementation of this
21 
Act shall be determined by the concerned agencies and be included in the General
22 
Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment under the budgetary
23 
appropriations of concerned agencies or chargeable against local funds of Local
24 
Government Units subject to Personal Service Limitations pursuant to Sec. 325 of RA
25 
7160 where applicable.
26 
However, such special benefits, including injury and burial benefits as well as
27 
hazard pay may be sourced from the Local DRRM Fund of the agencies or Local
28 
Government Units.
29 
Sec. 46. Pena! Provision. - Any person who shall willfully interfere with, restrain
30 
or coerce any Public DRRM Worker in the exercise of his/her rights or shall in any
31 
manner commit any act in violation of any of the provisions of this Act, upon
32 
conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos
17


1 
(PIO,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than one (1) year or both at the discretion
2 
of the court.
3 
If the offender is a public official, the court, in addition to the penalties provided
4 
in the preceding paragraph, may impose the additional penalty of disqualification from
5 
public office.
6 
Sec. 47. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is
7 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected thereby shall remain in
8 
full force and effect.
9 
Sec. 48. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
10 
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act
11 
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
12 
Sec. 49. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
13 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulations.
Approved,
18