Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F FREPRESENTATTVES
Quezon City
NINFTEENTH  CONGRESS
Second  Regular Session
``housEBILLNo.9073
Introduced by Honorable EULOGIO "LEO" R. RODRIGUEZ
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The  Philippines  belongs  to  the  Pacific  Ring  of  Fire  and  the  country  can  be
considered  as  prone to  natural  calamities  like  earthquakes,  typhoons,  and  the  like.
The  role  of  Disaster  Risk  Reduction  and  Management  workers  (DRRM  workers)  in
the  Philippines  is  highlighted  because  of this.  DRRM  workers  play  a  crucial  part  in
the effort to  protect  life and  property during  the occurrence of unfortunate events.
As such, the representation moves to pass a  measure that will  promote the welfare
of DRRM workers.
The  bill  herein  aims to  uplift the  morale and  performance of DRRM  workers  in
the  country  by  promoting  the  latter's  welfare  through  the  improvement  of  their
working conditions, terms of employment and psychosocial well-being. The proposed
law  will  also  develop  and  enhance  the  individual  skills  and  capabilities  of  DRRM
workers.  It  is  likewise  envisioned  that  delivery  of  services  and  programs  of  DRRM
workers will be professionalized with the approval of the proposed measure.
This  representation  also  sees  that  having  a  statute  for  DRRM  workers  will
encourage  qualified  individuals to join  the  government's  disaster  risk  reduction  and
management service and will motivate competent and experienced DRRM workers to
remain and grow in the profession.
The approval of the bill  herein will ensure further compliance with  Republic Act
No.    10121,   otherwise   known   as   the   "Philippine   Disaster   RIsk   Redudion   and
Management Act of 2010." It  provisions  in  proposed  law  will  also  strengthened  the
country's institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and  management which will
concretize the mandate of the Constitution to uphold the right to life and property.
For the Filipino people, approval of the foregoing  bill is earnestly being sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH  CONGRESS
Second  Regular Session
HOUSE BILL No.  9073
Introduced by Honorable EULOGIO "LEO" R. I`ODRIGUEZ
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAGMA CARTA FOR PUBLIC
DISASITER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT (DRRM) WORKERS
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Section  1.  Storf  77.£/e,  -  This  Act  shall  be  known  as  the  "Magna  Carta  for  Public
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Workers of 2023''.
Section 2. OBc/anal/o„ ofpo/yty, - It shall be the policy of the State to:
a.  Strengthen the country's institutional capacity for disaster risk reduction and
management  in  pursuit of building  the  resilience  of  local  communities  against
disasters   and   impacts   of  climate   change,   thereby   upholding   the   people's
constitutional rights to life and property;
b.  Adopt a  disaster  risk  reduction  and  management  approach  that  is  holistic,
comprehensive,  integrated,  and  proactive  in  lessening  the socio-economic and
environmental   impacts  of  disasters  and   climate  change,   and   promote  the
involvement  and  participation  of  all  stakeholders,  at  all  levels,  especially  the
local community; and
c.  Ensure compliance with the  mandates of RA  10121,  otherwise  known  as the
"Philippine   Disaster   Risk   Reduction   and   Management   Act   of   2010",   more
particularly  Section   12  thereof  that  directly  concerns  the  delivery  of  DRRM
services   to   the  grassroots   by   promoting   the   welfare   of  the   Public   DRRM
Workers.
Section 3. 5rafeme„f offynecx.#c 04/.acz7'Mes, -Towards this end, this Act aims to:
a.  Uplift the morale and performance of Public DRRM Workers in the country by
promoting   the   latter's  welfare   through   the   improvement  of  their   working
conditions, terms of employment and psychosocial well-being;


b.  Develop  and  enhance  the  individual  skills  and  capabilities  of  Public  DRRM
Workers to professionalize the delivery of DRRM services and programs; and
c.  Encourage  qualified  individuals  to  join  the  government  DRRM  service,  and
those  competent  and  experienced  DRRM  workers  to  remain  and  grow  in  the
profession.
Section  4.  Pzi4/y.c C}A#W  Wor4er,  Oe#»ac/,  -  For  purposes  of  this  Act,  the  term
"Public   DRRM   Worker"   shall   refer   to   any   civilian   individual   employed   by   the
government  or  any  of  its  political  subdivisions,  instrumentalities,  or  agencies  in  a
permanent,  temporary,  contractual,  or casual  employment or through a  Contract of
Service   (Cos)   and   Job  Order  (JO)   whose  engagement,   position   or  designation
involves the actual performance of work which are in the nature  or in furtherance of
the  functions  enumerated  under  Section  12  of  RA  10121  otherwise  known  as  the
"Philippine  DRRM Act of 2010"I
The Local Chief Executive and Chairman of the Local  DRRM Council of the LGU,  upon
recommendation  by the concerned  Local  DRRM  Officer,  shall  issue a  certification,  to
the  effect that an  individual  is a  "Public  DRRM  Worker" as defined  under Section  3
hereof.
In the case of National  Government Agencies,  it is the Office of Civil  Defense (OCD)
to issue a certification to the effect that:
(a)  The  DRRM  functions  or  activities  undertaken  by  an  agency  are  within  its
mandate;
(b)  The  position,  designation  or  engagement  of the  concerned  personnel  are
part of the authorized staffing of the organizational  units performing the  DRRM
functions; and
(c) The personnel  sought to be issued  with  certification  qualifies  under Section
3 hereof.
Skgdirom 5.  Definition  and  Classifiication  of  DRRM  Act.ivities. - For  Fiurpcees Of trirs
Act,  the  term  DRRM  activities  are  works  undertaken  or  functions  performed  by  a
Public  DRRM  Worker  which  are  in  the  nature  of or  in  furtherance  of  provisions  of
Section  12 of RA 10121 otherwise known as the "Philippine DRRM Act of 2010''.
DRRM Activities shall be classified according to the degree of exposure to risks based
on the nature of work and/or the location where the same is performed;
a,  £ow A/`sA ORAW ,4ct7'r7.i/es -  DRRM  activities  that  expose  the  Public  DRRM
Worker's  life  and  limb to  a  minimal  degree of risk,  such  as  but  not  limited  to,
regular office or clerical work;
b.  #/giv  A/±4 0##W Acf7.I//-4/es -  DRRM  activities  that  expose  the  Public  DRRM
Worker's  life  and   limb  to  severe  risk,  such  as,   but  not  limited  to,  search,
rescue,  and  retrieval  operations,  management of the  dead  and  missing,  rapid


damage   needs   assessment,    post-disaster   needs   assessment,   and   other
emergeney and disaster response activities.
Low   Risk   DRRM   Activities   performed   in   areas   deemed   high-risk   due   to
impending,  on-going  or  recent disaster or emergeney event shall  be  classified
under high-risk DRRM activities.
The  determination  as  to  what  classification  an  activity/jes  falls  under  shall  be  as
certified  by the  respective  heads of agencies concerned  upon  the  recommendation
of the concerned DRRM officer or the equivalent,
Section   6.    Aecyit//f777e„f   amd   Owa//'#caf/on,   -   A   Joint   Memorandum   Circular
prescribing  for  the  Recruitment  and  Selection  Policy specifically designed  for the  of
Public  DRRM  Workers shall  be  issued  by the  Office  of Civil  Defense  (OCD),  the  Civil
Service  Commission  (CSC)  and  the  Department  of  Interior  and  Local  Government
(DILG) in  proper consultation with the representatives from the regional associations
of LDRRMOs and  upon  review by the NDRRMC.
In case of permanent vacancy in the position of head of a local  DRRM office or head
of any of its divisions or sections,  the  personnel  occupying  the  plantilla  next in  rank
to the vacant  position  shall  automatically  be  appointed  to  said  position  in  order to
ensure  mastery  of  the  job,  professionalism,  competence  and  high  level  morale  in
public  DRRM  services.   Provided,  the  latter  possesses  the  minimum  qualifications
based  on  the  prevailing  qualification  standard  prescribed  under existing  civil  service
rules.
Permanent  personnel  of local  government  units who  are  actually  performing  DRRM
functions  as  defined   under  Section   12  of   RA   10121   as   local   DRRM   officers  in
designated or concurrent capacity for a period of at least five consecutive years shall
be   entitled   to   be   appointed   to   such   plantilla   position.   Provided,   the   minimum
qualifications  of said  personnel  meets  the  qualification  standards  set  forth  for  the
plantilla  position  he/she is currently occupying.
Only  in  cases  where  public  interest  requires  for  immediate  filling  up  of the  vacant
plantilla  position, and no qualified ``eligible" has applied therefor, the personnel  next-
in-rank  shall  be  issued  a  designation  as  Officer-In-Charge  thereto.  Provided,  such
personnel  possesses  at  least  the  minimum  academic  requirement  for  the  position.
Provided   further   that   said   personnel   granted   temporary   appointment   shall   be
afforded  not  more  than  one  (1)  year  to  acquire  the  minimum  length  of  relevant
experience  and  possess  the  required  professional  eligibility,  Provided  furthermore,
that in  no case shall  a  personnel  be appointed  as officer-in-charge of a  local  DRRM
Office  without  possessing  the  minimum  requirement  on  relevant  DRRM  experience
for  the  subject  position.   Provided  finally,  that  the  personnel   next-in-rank  to  the
subject position  declines,  waives or fails to qualify. The  provisions of this  paragraph
shall have retroactive effect or may be applied retroactively in proper cases.
Any  appointment,  designation  or  reassignment  in  violation  of the  provisions of this
Section  shall  be considered  void  ab  initio.  Provided,  that the  government  personnel


and/or  officials  with  indispensable  participation  in  the  violation  shall  be  dealt  with
under  EO  292  otherwise  known  as the ``Administrative  Code  of the  Philippines" and
existing civil service laws.
S®diHom   7.    Career    Opportunity    and    Professional    Development.   -    A   ]cjrmit
Memorandum  Circular  providing  for  the  Career  and   Personnel   Development  Plan
specifically designed for the of Public DRRM Workers shall  be issued  by the Office of
Civil   Defense  (OCD),  the  Civil  Service  Commission  (CSC)  and  the  Department  of
Interior    and    Local    Government    (DILG)    with    proper    consultation    with    the
representatives from the regional associations of LDRRMOs and  upon  review by the
NDRRMC,   which   shall   include   among   others,   merit   promotion,   scholarship   and
training grants, and reward system.
Sedirom 8.  Government Service Credits of Nan-Permanent Public  DRRM  Worker. -
Every full  12-month  uninterrupted  actual  services  rendered  of Public  DRRM  Officers
engaged under employment arrangement which is non-permanent in nature such as,
but  not limited  to,  Job Order Contract and  Contract of Service,  shall  be credited  as
one-year  government  service  in  favour  of  the  latter  and  shall  be  included  in  the
computation  of their  service  record  for  purposes  of future  permanent employment
with the government and retiremenvseparation there from.
§ediHom 9.  Minimum  Uninterrupted  Actual  Services  Rendered  Convertible  to  Civil
5er".ce fi//giv-b/.//fy. -  Public  DRRM  Officers engaged  under employment arrangement
which  is  non-permanent  in  nature  such  as,  but  not  limited  to,  Job  Order  Contract
and  Contract of Service,  who  have  rendered  at  least three  years or  36  months  of
uninterrupted actual services as such, shall be entitled to the conversion thereof into
Sub-Professional  Civil  Service Eligibility (Level  I).
SiediHom WJJ.  Prohibition on Detail and/or Reassignment of Public DRRM Workers. -  A
Public  DRRM  Worker shall  not  be detailed  and/or  reassigned,  except when  made  in
the  interest  of  public  service  and  the  latter  is  informed  in  writing  of  the  reasons
therefor.  However,  the Public DRRM  Worker may file a  protest with  the Civil Service
Commission  presenting  substantial  proof that  said  transfer  is  unnecessary,  unjust,
malicious,  or  in  any  way  and  extent  prejudicial  to  the  effective  delivery  of  DRRM
services to the public.  In such case, the transfer/reassignment shall only take eifect
in case the appeal is denied.
Neither a transfer and/or reassignment shall  be made for reasons merely of a  public
DRRM worker's political preferences, nor be made three (3) months before and three
(3)  months  after  any  local  or  national  elections.   Provided,  that  the  work  to  be
performed   in  the  new  work  station  or  assignment  shall   remain  to  be  DRRM   in
nature.  Provided  further,  that the  necessary and  incidental  expenses,  should  there
be any,  to  be incurred  to effect the detail  and/or reassignment of the  Public DRRM
Worker and the immediate family shall be paid for by the office ordering the same.
Section  11.  "a"7.Gt/ Pub//.c ORAW  Won{grs,  -  Married  couples  both  of whom  are
Public DRRM Workers shall  be assigned in the same LGU or government agency site,


but in no case shall the latter be assigned in the same office, department or division.
Provided,  that  the  delivery  of  DRRM  services  or  the  public  interest  shall  not  be
prejudiced,
Sedirom  T2.  Safeguard  for  the  Unjust,  Whimsical  and  Malicious  Termination  of
Employment  Contracts  of  Non~Permanent  Public  DRRM  Workers.  - Thie yoto  order
contract or the contract of service of a  Public DRRM  Worker shall  not be terminated
so  long  as  the  work  for  which  he/she  was  employed  exists,  except  for  grounds
involving  incompetence,  gross  misconduct or  negligence,  or  mental  and/or  physical
disability  that  renders  the  latter  severely  incapacitated  to  perform   DRRM-related
work.
In  cases where  the job order contract or the  contract of service  of a  Public  DRRM
Worker   is   found   by   the   competent   authority   to   be   unjustly,   whimsically   or
maliciously  terminated  in  violation  of the  first  paragraph  hereof,  the  latter  shall  be
entitled  to  reinstatement,  and  to  back wages with  applicable  legal  interest,  subject
to   prevailing   laws  and   policies  computed  from  the  time  the  compensation  was
withheld  until the time of reinstatement.
Section  13.  Pyiofect/on /7iom Ok5cr/-in/Maf/on,  - The  Office  of Civil  Defense  (OCD),
the   Civil   Service   Commission   (CSC)   and   the   Department   of  Interior   and   Local
Government (DILG) in proper consultation with the representatives from the regional
associations   of   LDRRM0s   and   upon   review   by   the   NDRRMC,   shall   issue   the
appropriate Joint  Memorandum  Circular providing  for the  protection  of Public  DRRM
Workers   against   employment-related   discrimination   on   matters   relating   to   age,
gender  or  sexual  orientation,  race,  ethnicity,  pregnancy,  solo  parenting,  physical
disability  or  characteristics,  civil  status,  creed,  religious  and  political  beliefs,  or  any
other status or  personal  condition.  Provided, That the  disability of the  Public  DRRM
Worker  shall  not  severely  limit the  effective  performance  of the  DRRM  function  for
which the Public DRRM Worker is employed.
Section  14.  £Gga/S4/pporf, -Public DRRM Workers shall be exempted from any civil
and  criminal  liability as to  damage  to  any  property or  injury to  a  person  caused  in
the   direct   performance   of  the   latter's   duty   relative   to   disaster   or   emergency
response and other DRRM-related activities where the same are carried  out in good
faith and with due diligence required under the surrounding circumstances.
In  applicable  cases,  the  Public  DRRM  Worker  shall  be  extended  with  appropriate
assistance  by  the  concerned  agency  or  LGU  with  the  perspective  of  arriving  at
peaceful  and  amicable  resolution  of  any  issue  that  may  arise  there from  thereby
avoiding the resort to judicial processes,
The two immediately preceding paragraphs notwithstanding, should there be a  legal
action   instituted   against  a   Public   DRRM   Worker,   the   latter   is   entitled   to   legal
assistance to be provided by the mother Agency or the LGU concerned.
Section 15.  AGgc//ar Wont 5cher/u/e, - The regular work schedule of a Public DRRM
Worker  shall  be  eight  (8)  hours  a  day  (8:00  AM  to  5:00  PM)  or forty  (40)  hours  a


week  (Monday  to  Friday).  Any  work  performed  in  excess  of  said  daily  or  weekly
regular work schedule shall be considered as overtime work, subject to Section  16 of
this  Act.   Provided,  the  performance  thereof  is  duly  authorized  through  a  written
memorandum  issued  by the  head  of agency concerned  prior to, during  or after the
rendition of the work, whatever is practicable.
In the exigency of the service, Public DRRM Workers assigned to perform emergency
response functions may be subjected to a work schedule different from the Regular
Work Schedule  provided  in  the first paragraph  hereof.  In  such  case,  the  latter  may
be  entitled  to  the  benefits  of  the  provisions  of Sections  17,  18  and  19  hereof on
night-shift differential, on  rest-day work pay and on-call pay, respectively.
Section  16.  OMfrfz777€ Pay, - Where a  Public DRRM Worker is placed to active duty
beyond or outside the 8-hour working  day,  he/she shall automatically be entitled to
the corresponding  Compensatory Time-Off (CTO)  or overtime  pay,  at the  option  of
the   latter,   the   rate   of   which   shall   be   in   accordance   with   the   existing   rules
promulgated   by  the  Civil   Service  Commission   (CSC)  and   or  the   Department  of
Budget   and    Management   (DBM).    Provided,   the   performance   thereof   is   duly
authorized through a written  memorandum  issued by the head of agency concerned
prior to, during or after the rendition of the work, whatever is practicable.
Section  17.  M9Af-Sty-# Ow-ffgr£»ffa/,  -  Public  DRRM  Workers  shall  be  entitled  to  a
night-shift differential of ten  percent (10%) of the latter's regular wage or salary for
each  hour of work performed between ten o'clock in the evening (10:00 PM) and six
o'clock in the morning (6:00 AM);
Section  18.  M/on4/.„g Rest-Ogy Pa//, - A Public  DRRM  Worker's  rest days are days
beyond  the  five-day  work  week  during  which  the  latter  is  regularly  placed  in  full
active  duty.  Rest days shall  include  non-working  holidays and  the day/s covered  by
officially approved  leave.
a.   In the exigency of service, a permanent Public DRRM Worker may be required
to work during  his/her  rest day.  In  such  case,  the  Public  DRRM  Worker shall
automatically  be  entitled  to  an  additional  pay at a  rate  equivalent to  that  of
his/her regular salary for work rendered within the 8-hour working day during
which the latter is regularly placed  in full active duty.
If the rest day work falls on a holiday, he/she shall be entitled to an additional
pay  equivalent  to  double  the  rate  of  the  latter's  regular  salary  for  work
rendered  within  the  8-hour  working  day  during  which  the  latter  is  regularly
placed  in full active duty.
b.   A non-permanent Public DRRM Worker suffered to work on his/her rest day is
automatically  entitled  to  an  overtime  pay  in  a  rate  double  his/her  regular
wage rate for work rendered within the 8-hour working day during which the
latter is regularly placed  in full active duty.


If  the  rest  day  work  falls  on  a  holiday,  he/she  shall  be  entitled  to  a  pay
equivalent to triple of latter's regular wage rate for work rendered  within  the
8-hour  working  day  during  which  the  latter  is  regularly  placed  in  full  active
duty-
In  all  cases,  a  Public  DRRM  Worker  required  to  work  beyond  the  standard  8-hour
working  period  during  rest day or a  holiday shall  be  entitled  to  an  overtime  pay as
provided  under Section  16  hereof on  top of the working  rest-day  pay.  A night-shift
differential  shall  also  be  afforded  the  latter as  provided  under Section  17  for work
rendered  between  10:00 PM and 6:00 AM on top of any other entitlements provided
under this Section.
Section  19.  Oy7-Ca// 5rafzj5,  -  "On  Call" status  refers to  a  tour  of duty wherein  a
Public DRRM Worker is placed on standby outside his/her regular work schedule, and
ordered to make himself/herself available and ever ready to act when called upon to
act on emergenay response-related activities, such that the latter cannot devote the
time for personal use.
A  Public  DRRM  Worker  particularly  placed  in  "On  Call"  status  shall  be  entitled  to  an
"On  Call"  pay  equivalent  to  fifty  percent  (50%)  of  his/her  regular  wage  or  salary.
Provided,  that  no  Public  DRRM  Worker  shall  be  placed  in  On-Call  status  for  more
than three (3) times in a single week.
SRdiHom 2JfJ.  Twenty-Four  Hour  Straight  Full  Active  Duty  in  Anticipation  of,  During
Onslaught  and   Immediately  After  the   Impact  of  Disasters.  -   AI  Puttiwc  r}RIRIM
Workers placed  under straight full active duty 24 hours before, during the onslaught
and  24  hours  after  the  impact  of  a  disaster  shall  be  entitled  to  the  benefits  of
Sections  16,  17, and  18 computed  based on the 72-hour straight full  active duty or
actual hours worked.
Hours worked  for  purposes of this Act shall  include all  the time that a  Public  DRRM
Worker is  required  to be  present at the  Emergeney Operations Center (EOC) or the
Incident  Command  Post  (ICP)  or  in  any  place  for  purposes  of  disaster  response,
such that the latter cannot or is deprived to devote said time for personal matters.
SediNom 21.  Pre-emptive Security and Safety Preparation for Personal Matters Prior
fo /mpe#c/H.„g Owfa5fgr, - In order to ensure focus and peace of mind of every Public
DRRM Worker to be deployed for full active duty for possible response operations, at
least 48  hours  prior to the  projected  impact of an  impending  disaster,  every  DRRM
Worker  shall  be  afforded  a  half-day,  at  the  option  of the  latter,  to  attend  to  pre-
emptive  security  and  safety  preparations  for  their  respective  family,  houses  and
other  property of value.  The  concerned  head  of ageney shall  issue the  appropriate
memorandum   to   this   effect   to   ensure   prompt   and   proper   compliance   of   all
concerned offices and personnel.
Section  22.  Ao(dyt/o»a/ Ge„e#ts,  -  Notwithstanding  Section  12  of  RA  6758,  also
known  as  the  "Compensation  and  Position  Classification  Act of  1989",  Public  DRRM
Workers    shall     receive    the    following:     hazard     pay,     subsistence    allowance,


reimbursement   of   allowable    communication    expense,    longevity    pay,    laundry
allowance, and quarters allowance.
Section  23.   #aLz:art/ Pa//,  -  Public  DRRM  Workers  who  perform  high  risk  DRRM
activities as defined under Section 5 hereof shall be entitled to hazard pay equivalent
to not exceeding twenty-five (25%) nor less than fifteen percent (15%) of their daily
basic salary-
Public  DRRM  Workers  performing  low-risk  DRRM  activities  as  defined  under Section
5  hereof shall  be  entitled  to  hazard  pay equivalent to  not exceeding  fifteen  (15%)
nor less than ten percent (10%) of their daily basic salary.
Public  DRRM  Workers  regularly  performing  low  risk  DRRM  activities  shall  be  eligible
to avail an  increase  hazard  allowance equivalent to that of high  risk  DRRM  Workers
in the event that they are deployed to perform  high-risk DRRM  activities,  subject to
appropriate computation based on actual number of days of actual service.
The determination  of the compensation  of Hazard Allowance shall  be  based  on  the
actual working days that a  Public DRRM  Worker was exposed to risk to life and  limb
as categorized under Section 5 hereof.
Section  24.  5lw45x5fe„cg A//oM{a„c€,  - In order to ensure their services available at
all times necessary and  desirable,  Public DRRM  Workers who are  required  to  render
service  in  the  field  beyond  fifteen  (15)  kilometers  distance  from  workstation  during
emergencies and disasters shall  be entitled to full subsistence allowance of three (3)
meals
Section 25.  77a„5pordaf/ar a„d Commc/#/car/on, - Public DRRM workers required to
report outside of their regular workstations through  their own  personal  means shall
be entitled to such  transportation  and travel expenses pursuant E.O  No.  77.  S.  2019
or  other  existing   budgeting,   accounting   and   auditing   guidelines.   In   such   cases,
reimbursement of allowable communication expenses shall be allowed as well.
Section  26.  £o#gevyfy Pa//.  -  A  monthly  longevity  pay  equivalent  to  five  percent
(5%)  of  the  monthly  basic  pay  shall  be  paid  to  a  Public  DRRM  Worker  for  every
three (3) years of continuous, efficient, and  meritorious service rendered as certified
by the chief of office concerned, commencing with the Public DRRM Worker's service
upon  the effectivity of this Act. Those entitled  to  Longevity  Pay can  no  longer avail
of the Step Increment benefit due to length of service.
Section  27.   £aw„c/ry A//oMta„ce.  -  All  Public  DRRM  Workers  shall  be  entitled  to
laundry allowance equivalent to Five  Hundred  Fifty Pesos (Php 500)  per month. This
rate shall be increased by ten percent (10%) every three (3) years.
Section  28.  Ho4A5x.ng,  -  All  Public  DRRM  Workers  who  are  residing  at  a  distance
beyond    fifteen    (15)    kilometres    distance    from    workstation    and    because    of
unavoidable circumstances are compelled to rent boarding  house or apartment shall
be  entitled  to  quarter  allowance,  the  rate  of  which  shall  be  determined  by  their
respective mother agency,


However,   their   respective   mother   agency   may   opt   to   provide   free   decent,
comfortable and safe quarter within or nearby the office premises.
SrfEidiHom  2:9.   Medical,   Mental,  and   Psychosocial  Examination  and  Intervention.  -
Compulsory  medical,  mental,  and  psychosocial  examination  shall  be  provided  for all
Public DRRM Workers at the expense of the mother agency:
a.   Upon entry to the government service, and every year thereafter;
b.   After  every  deployment  of  the  latter  for  at  least  fifteen  (15)  consecutive
uninterrupted  days  to  undertake  high-risk  DRRM  activities  as  defined  under
Section 5 hereof; and
c.    Exposure to a traumatic experience while rendering  DRRM Work.
Provided,  That  where  the  result  thereof  calls  for  the  necessity  of  intervention,
treatment and/or  hospitalization  in  a  government  or  private  health  care  institution,
the  expenses  therefore  in  excess  of the  amount  covered  by  the  health  insurance
provided  by  PhilHealth  shall  be  shouldered  by  the  government  entity  paying  the
salary of the Public DRRM Worker,
SediHon 3;n.  Personal  Protective  Equipment  (PPE)  and  Personal  Respense  Outfits
a»d  Gears  -  In   order  to  ensure  safety  and   effectiveness  in   performing   their
functions,  all   Public  DRRM  Workers  shall   be  provided   by  the  concerned   LGU  or
ageney with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal  response
outfit and gears of quality not less than the standards for DRRM use,
sediN®m 3±.  Vaccination  and  Emergeney  Medical  Intervention. -  AI PulNHc TJRIRIM
Workers including  their immediate family and  household  members shall  be  provided
with free vaccinations and other prophylactic medicines against contagious diseases
in  the  area  where  the  Public  DRRM  Worker  is  assigned.  The  immediate  family  and
the  household   members  of  Public  DRRM  Workers  who  are  exposed  to  a   highly
contagious disease/illness incidental to the performance of a  high-risk DRRM  activity
shall also be entitled to free medical intervention when necessary.
Sedtlwon T2.  Compensation  for  Work-Related  Injuries  and  Illnesses.  -  Airry  .irfury
sustained  or  sickness  acquired  by  a  Public  DRRM  Worker  in  line  of  duty  shall  be
presumed  work-connected  and  shall  be  compensated  for  in  accordance  with  the
existing  laws.
Section  33.  £eaMe Eene#Zs /or Pub/yc DAAW M/on4ers, - All  Public  DRRM  Workers,
regardless of employment status, shall  be entitled to all such  leave benefits granted
to government employees by existing laws.
Any  unused  forced  leave  and  special  privilege  leave  of  Public  DRRM  Workers  under
permanent  status  of  employment  shall  accrue  and  be  added  to  the  accumulated
leave credits of the latter.  Provided further, that any unused Compensatory Time-Off
(CTO)  credits earned  by the  latter for the current year shall  be carried  over to the
succeeding year, and so on.


All   Public   DRRM   Workers   shall   be   entitled   to   rehabilitation   leave   privilege   for
serious/severe   physical,   mental,   or   emotional   injuries/damage   sustained   in   the
performance of official duties.
SRydiHom 34.  Capacity  Building,  Scholarships  and  Grants. - Pulltic r}RIRIM Workers,
regardless   of   employment   status,   shall   be   allowed   to   participate   or   undergo
capability-building   or   capability   enhancement   trainings   regardless   of  the   venue
thereof.  Provided,  said  trainings  are  relevant,  necessary  and  desirable  to  his/her
function as DRRM Worker, and the venue thereof shall be within the Philippines.
In   pursuit  of  professionalizing  the   public   DRRM   services,  and   ensuring   that  the
individual   capabilities   of  all   Public   DRRM   Workers   as   such   are  at   par  with   the
demands, challenges and complexities of time, the Department of Interior and  Local
Government   (DILG),   the   Office   of   Civil   Defense   (OCD),   the   Local   Government
Academy   (LGA),   the   Climate   Change   Commission   (CCC)   and   the   Civil   Service
Commission  with   proper  consultation  with  the  representatives  from  the  regional
associations   of   LDRRM0s   and   upon   review   by   the   NDRRMC   shall   issue   the
appropriate   Joint   Memorandum   Circular   providing   for   the   Comprehensive   and
Standard  Training  and  Capability  Enhancement  Program  for  Public  DRRM  Workers
prescribing   therein   the   basic   and   minimum   training   required   of  a   Public   DRRM
Worker.
Said  Training   Program  shall  also  provide  for  scholarship  benefits  and  grants  for
pursuing  graduate  and  post-graduate  studies,  including  assistance  for  review  and
licensure  examination,  not only  in  the field  of DRRM  but also  in  the field  of natural
and  health sciences, public administration and law.
Section  35.  „andafzvy /„sura„ce  Coi4erage -  All  Public  DRRM  Workers  shall  be
provided   by  the  concerned   LGU   or  agency  with   health   and   accident  insurance
coverage during the entire period of engagement or employment.
Section    36.    Ac#/'f/one/   A€fz.reme„f   Gene#f   -    Public    DRRM    Workers    shall
automatically be granted one (1) salary range or grade higher than the basic salary
three  (3)  months  prior to  early,  optional  or  compulsory  retirement.  Provided,  That
the age and fulfilled service requirements are met under existing laws.
Section 37.  A/9Af 40 5e/f-Onpa„/2af/o„, -  Public DRRM Workers shall  have the right
to  organize,  join  and  operate  or  maintain  a   professional  organization  that  shall
embody  their  shared  aspirations  and  pursue  their  common  welfare  wherein  their
sentiments and  mutual  concerns are ventilated,  articulated  and  crystallized  in  order
to  collectively  and  harmoniously  secure  solutions  thereto  through  proper  and  legal
means.
No authority, approval,  permit or endorsement whatsoever from the concerned  LGU
or  any  government  ageney  shall   be   required   for  the  exercise   by   Public   DRRM
Workers of the right guaranteed under this Section.


Any act of a person  in whatever capacity which directly or indirectly curtails the right
of  Public  DRRM  Workers  guaranteed  under this  Section  shall  be  unlawful  and  shall
be dealt with in accordance with the applicable laws.
Curtailment  of  the  said  right  guaranteed  under  this  Section  shall  include  any  act
which  directly  or  indirectly  hinders  or  interferes  in  the  carrying  out  of  the  lawful
activities   of   the    Public   DRRM    Workers'   association,    and    prevents   or   poses
intimidation  against  the  functioning  of  its  officers  and  members  such  as  but  not
limited    to    non-issuance/disapproval    of   Travel    Order,    disallowing    the    use   of
equipment  or  facility  for  the  associations  activity,  or  prescribing  as  a  condition  of
employment   not   to   join   or   to   relinquish   membership   with   a   DRRM   Workers`
association.
Any act which  has the effect of directly or indirectly placing a  Public DRRM  Workers'
association   under  the  control  of  government  personnel  or  official  who  is  not  a
member thereof shall be unlawful.
SediHom TS.  Participation  of Public  DRRM  Workers' Associations  in  the  Formulation
of  Local  and   National   DRRM-Related   Policies.  -   AI  aAI  leNcds  Of  eyoNerrrmeriit,  Th!a
Public  DRRM  Workers' association  shall  be formally consulted  on  the  formulation  of
local    and     national     policies    governing     or    affecting     the     professional/career
development and social security of Public DRRM Workers.
Public DRRM  associations shall  be entitled  to one seat as Member-CSO (Civil  Society
Organization) of DRRM  councils and  development councils at the  local,  regional  and
national  levels.
SRdiHom 318.  Implementing  Rules  and  Regulations  (IRR).  - W.TNhim TJhirty  (3/I fh  derys
from  effectivity  of  this  Act,  The  Office  of  Civil   Defense  (OCD),  the  Civil  Service
Commission  (CSC),  the  Department  of  Interior  and  Local  Government  (DILG)  and
the  Department of Budget and  Management (DBM),  in  proper consultation  with  the
representatives from the regional associations of LDRRMOs and  upon  review by the
NDRRMC,  shall  issue the shall jointly  issue the  Rules and  Regulations  implementing
the provisions of this Act.
Section 40. Separa4x.//fy C)yac/sol - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the
remainder of this Act or any provision  not affected thereby shall  remain in force and
effect.
Section  41. A}ep€a/I77g  C/a"se. -  All   laws  and   issuances  and  their  implementing
rules,  inconsistent with  the  provisions of this Act are  hereby repealed,  amended  or
medified accordingly.
Section   42. £7racz7-I//fy. -  This  Act  shall   take   effect  fifteen   (15)   days  after   its
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,