Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE, DEFINING ITS POWERS 
AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines’ geographical location and physical environment make it highly susceptible to numerous 
natural hazards such as sea level rise, storm surges, landslides, flood/flashflood/flooding, and drought. 
The Philippines is located at the Pacific ring of fire which is a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized 
by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. It is also located right amid the Pacific typhoon belt. 
Consequently, more tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) than anywhere 
else in the world. The Philippines experiences an average of 20 tropical cyclones yearly, 5-6 of which 
are highly destructive.  
On 2021 alone, typhoon Odette caused Php 51 billion worth of damage to the country’s agriculture. 
Before that, there was typhoon Yolanda in 2013 which is considered to be one of the most powerful 
tropical cyclones ever recorded. Typhoon Yolanda left the country with a total of 6,300 deaths and total 
damages amounting to at least Php 95 billion. 
The current structure of disaster risk reduction management is quite complex with resources and 
responsibilities dispersed to different government bodies and local government units. With climate 
change causing disasters to escalate to a new level of magnitude and frequency, there is a need for 
the State to streamline the processes relating to disaster risk reduction and management and climate 
change adaptation and mitigation. It is only appropriate that an institution that is solely devoted to 
ensuring that the country can adequately respond to ever-worsening disasters be created. The 
proposed Department of Disaster Resilience shall be responsible for leading, organizing, and managing 
the national effort to reduce disaster risk, prepare for and respond to disasters, recover and rehabilitate, 
and "Build Forward Better" after the occurrence of disasters. 
This bill is based upon House Bill No. 5989 which was a product of concerted efforts of representatives 
from the 18th Congress.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the Filipino 
people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
August 23, 2022
2:27 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE, DEFINING ITS POWERS 
AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the "Department of Disaster Resilience Act". 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies and Principles. - (a) Duties of the State.  
The State shall carry out and harmonize the policies on disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and 
management, environmental management, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development 
to uphold the welfare of the people, particularly the vulnerable sectors of society.  
The State shall uphold its commitment to the achievement of the sustainable development goals 
specifically, integrating and implementing policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, 
mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement a 
holistic disaster risk management at all levels in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk 
Reduction 2015-2030.  
The State shall uphold its commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 
(UNFCCC) in the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that 
prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system, achievable within a time frame 
sufficient to allow the natural adaptation of the ecosystem to climate change, to ensure food production 
and food security, and to secure sustainable economic development.  
The State shall integrate and accelerate the implementation of the principles, and concepts of climate 
change, disaster risk, and vulnerability reduction contained in the Paris Agreement of the United Nations 
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk 
Reduction 2015-2030, the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Disaster Risk Reduction 
(DDR) Framework, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Philippine 
Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 in various phases of policy formulation, development plans and 
investments, poverty reduction strategies and other development tools, and techniques by all national 
and local agencies, institutions and instrumentalities of the government to enhance the country's 
climate change adaptive capacity. 
It shall be the duty of the State to: 
1)
Uphold the people's constitutional right to life and property by minimizing, if not eradicating,
the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the country's institutional capacity
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for disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management, and building the resilience of 
local communities to disasters including climate change impacts, and human-induced disasters; 
2)
Incorporate internationally accepted principles of disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and
management, and climate change adaptation, including universal principles and standards for
humanitarian assistance, developing and implementing national, regional, and local sustainable
development and poverty reduction strategies, policies, plans, and budgets, as part of the
country's commitment overcoming human suffering due to disasters;
3)
Ensure 
a 
science-based 
whole-of-society 
approach 
and 
bottom-up 
participation,
representation, and decision-making in climate-disaster risk governance, risk assessment, risk
reduction, and, risk management, and adopt a comprehensive, integrated, and proactive
approach to lessening the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of disasters and climate
change;
4)
Promote and advance the implementation of a comprehensive Disaster Risk and Vulnerability
Reduction Plan (DRVRP) that aims to strengthen the capacity of the national government and
the local government units (LGUs), together with development partner stakeholders, build the
disaster resilience of communities, and institutionalize arrangements and measures for reducing
disaster risks, including projected climate risks, and enhance disaster preparedness and
response capabilities at all levels;
5)
Recognize the role of, and work with international humanitarian and development partners
especially those with an established presence in the country;
6)
Develop, maintain, and ensure the accessibility of climate and geospatial information and
services to the public through Open Data, which means data that can be freely used, reused,
and redistributed by anyone, subject to limitations on account of national security
considerations. This may include the use of impact-based forecast models and probabilistic
hazard maps;
7)
Ensure that disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and climate change adaptation measures
are genders, disability, and vulnerability sensitive, and culturally sensitive, recognizing
indigenous knowledge systems and practices, and respecting human rights;
8)
Recognize and strengthen the capacities of LGUs, communities, and multiple stakeholders in
mitigating and preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the impact of disasters
through the identification of local risk patterns, and decentralized powers, responsibilities, and
resources at the regional and local levels;
9)
Adopt and implement a comprehensive, integrated, efficient, and responsive disaster risk and
vulnerability reduction program that is incorporated in the development plan at various levels
of government adhering to transparency accountability, and other principles of good
governance within the context of poverty alleviation and environmental protection;
10) Mainstream disaster risk and vulnerability reduction in government by ensuring risk-informed
planning, programming, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, and the use of quality
management, accountability, and performance systems in measuring and improving the
effectiveness and efficiency of disaster risk and vulnerability reduction management processes
across all government levels, including those offices which manage peace processes and
conflict-resolution approaches, to minimize loss of lives and damage to properties and ensure
that communities in conflict zones can immediately resume their normal lives;
11) Adopt a disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management approach that is holistic,
comprehensive, integrated, and proactive in lessening the socioeconomic and environmental
impacts of disasters including climate change, and promote the involvement and participation
of all sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all levels, especially the local community;
12) Prioritize the development of disaster prevention and mitigation measures involving all levels
of society and government;
13) Adopt risk sharing and risk transfer mechanisms to ensure the appropriate, efficient, and timely
recovery of disaster-stricken communities, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable;
14) Adhere to the principle of "Build Forward Better" in recovery and rehabilitation efforts by
applying sustainable standards, programs, technologies, and techniques that enhance
resilience against future hazards;
15) Recognize and respond to the differentiated concerns and needs of vulnerable groups such as
women and girls, children and youth, older persons, persons with disabilities, urban poor, and


indigenous peoples concerning disaster risk reduction and management, at the same time, 
recognizing their inherent capacities to contribute to resilience;  
16) Create an enabling environment for substantial and sustainable participation of civil society 
organizations (CSOs), private groups, volunteers, and communities, and recognize their 
contributions to the disaster risk reduction and management efforts of the government;  
17) Ensure the use of advanced science and the most up-to-date technologies in climate change 
adaptation, disaster risk, and vulnerability reduction and management through engagement, 
consultation, and employment with a regular department funding of academes or higher 
education institutions, such as the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute, University 
of the Philippines Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards Center and other scientific 
research and academic institutions that have a track record and expertise recognized both 
locally and internationally as well as the capacity to implement the science and engineering 
requirements necessary for effective climate change adaptation, and disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction;  
18) Ensure workers' rights are proactively respected during the disaster preparedness and 
response, and actively engage workers' and employers' organizations to share expertise and 
capacities in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation programs;  
19) Ensure transparency and accountability in climate- disaster risk governance by facilitating 
access to financial records of public funds and disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and 
management data, and ensure the transparency of humanitarian assistance from all sources;  
20) Adopt and manage a mechanism for the effective resolution of climate change, disaster risk, 
vulnerability reduction, and, management-related grievances;  
21) Recognize families as the most basic unit of disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and 
management and climate change adaptation by developing the capacity of local institutions 
and providing technical assistance and financial support to the most vulnerable communities;  
22) Ensure that the best possible assistance and services are delivered to individuals and families 
affected by disaster and emergency rehabilitation projects to guarantee the resumption of 
normal social and economic activities; 
23) Establish and maintain the National Loss and Damage Registry; and  
24) Mainstream gender and social inclusion in all aspects of the Department of Disaster Resilience 
work from planning, and monitoring, to evaluation.  
b) Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders. The commitment, goodwill, knowledge, experience, 
and resources of relevant stakeholders are critical to realizing a safer, adaptive, resilient, and 
inclusive Filipino community. Citizens shall 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 Plan at the national, regional, and local levels.  
1) Civil 
society 
organizations, 
nongovernmental 
organizations, 
international 
nongovernmental organizations, private sector, practitioners of climate and disaster 
mitigation, 
organized 
voluntary 
work 
organizations 
and 
community-based 
organizations shall participate, in collaboration with public institutions, too, inter alia, 
provide specific knowledge and pragmatic guidance in the context of the development 
and implementation of normative frameworks, standards and plans for disaster risk 
and vulnerability reduction; engage in the implementation of local, national, regional, 
and global plans and strategies; contribute to and support public awareness, a culture 
of protection, prevention and conservation, and education on disaster risk; and 
advocate for resilient communities and an inclusive and whole of society risk reduction 
and management which shall strengthen the synergies across groups, as appropriate; 
2) Women and girls shall contribute to and participate in effectively managing disaster 
risk and designing, resourcing, and leading implementation of gender-sensitive disaster 
risk and vulnerability reduction and management policies, plans, and programs;  
3) Children and the youth as agents of change shall endeavor to actively contribute to 
disaster risk and vulnerability reduction, by legislation, national practice, and 
educational curricula; disaster risk reduction and management at all levels and 
processes of disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and anticipatory adaptation, 
including data gathering, planning, programming, budgeting, implementation, 
monitoring, and evaluation;  


4) For citizens having years of knowledge, skills on climate change adaptation and disaster 
risk reduction and wisdom are invaluable assets to reducing disaster risk, and shall 
therefore participate in the design of policies, plans, and mechanisms, including those 
for early warning;  
5) Persons with disabilities, through their existing network or organizations, shall 
participate in activities related to assessment, programming, and the designs of 
policies; plans, and mechanisms;  
6) Migrants shall contribute to the resilience of communities and societies using their 
knowledge, skills, and capacities in the design and implementation of disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction and climate change adaptation;  
7) Indigenous peoples and Muslim Filipinos, through their practical experience and 
traditional knowledge, shall contribute to the development and implementation of 
policies, plans, and mechanisms, including those for early warning; 
8) Urban and rural poor shall contribute to resilience building as well as in the promotion 
of more inclusive and transformative resettlement for informal settler families in 
reducing their vulnerability to threats of disaster and climate risks through state and 
non-state programs;  
9) Farmers and fisher folk shall contribute to the promotion and protection of the 
environmental resource management that will secure food and nutrition resilience 
through the integration of disaster risk and vulnerability reduction into sustainable 
development policies and planning;  
10) Emergency 
responders, 
community 
practitioners, 
and 
organized 
volunteer 
organizations shall contribute to resilience by providing timely and efficient emergency 
response and providing training on basic life support, first aid, and search and rescue, 
by the standards provided by the Research, Education, and Training Institute of the 
Department;  
11) Academic and scientific and research entities and networks are encouraged to focus 
their research efforts on disaster risk factors and scenarios, including emerging disaster 
risks, in the medium- and long-term; partner with government and increase research 
for regional, national and local application; support action by local communities and 
authorities, and support the interface between policy and science for decision-making;  
12) Businesses, private sector financial institutions, professional associations, as well as 
philanthropic foundations together with financial regulators shall be encouraged to 
integrate disaster risk management, including business continuity, into business 
models and core business values and practices via disaster risk-informed investments, 
especially in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; engage in awareness-raising 
and training for their employees and customers; engage in and support research and 
innovation as well as technological development for disaster risk management; share 
and disseminate knowledge, practices, and data; and actively participate, as 
appropriate and under the guidance of the public sector, in the development of 
normative frameworks and technical standards that incorporate disaster risk 
management; and  
13) The media shall take an active and inclusive role at the local, regional, and national 
levels in contributing to the raising of public awareness and understanding, and 
disseminating accurate disaster risk, hazard, and disaster information, including on 
small-scale disasters, in a simple, transparent, easy-to-understand and accessible 
manner, in close cooperation with national and local authorities; adopt specific disaster 
risk and vulnerability reduction communication policies; support, as appropriate, early 
warning systems and life-saving protective measures; and stimulate a culture of 
prevention and strong community involvement in sustained public education 
campaigns and public consultations at all levels of societies national practices. 
 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:  
a) Adaptation refers to the adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or 
expected climactic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial 
opportunities. 


b) Assisting Actor refers to any Assisting International Actor and any Assisting Domestic Actor 
responding to a disaster in the country.  
c) Assisting Domestic Actor refers to any not-for-profit entity established under domestic laws, 
which is responding to a disaster in the country. 
d) Assisting International Actor refers to any foreign state, organization, entity, or individual 
responding to a disaster within or transiting through the country to respond to a disaster in 
another country.  
e) Build Forward Better refers 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.  
f) 
Capacity refers to the combination of all strengths, attributes, and resources available within a 
community, society, or organization that can reduce the level of risk or impacts of a disaster. 
Capacity may include infrastructure and physical means, institutions, societal coping abilities, 
as well as human knowledge, skills, and collective attributes such as social relationships, 
leadership, and management. Capacity may also be described as capability.  
g) Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) refer to non-state actors whose aims are neither to generate 
profits nor to seek governing power, but to unite people to advance shared goals and interests. 
They have a presence in public life, expressing the interests and values of their members or 
others, based on ethical, cultural, scientific, religious, or philanthropic considerations. CSOs 
include nongovernment organizations (NGOs), professional associations, foundations, 
independent research institutes, community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based 
organizations, people's organizations, social movements, and labor unions. 
h) Climate Change refers to a change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes 
in the mean and/or the variability of its properties, and that persists in an extended period, 
typically decades or longer, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity 
as defined under Republic Act No. 9729, otherwise known as the "Climate Change Act of 2009''. 
These include internal processes or external forces such as modulation of the solar cycles, 
volcanic eruptions, and persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere 
or land use.  
i) 
Climate Change Adaptation refers to the adjustment in natural or human systems in response 
to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits 
beneficial opportunities.  
j) 
Climate Finance refers to finance that aims at reducing emissions, and enhancing sinks of 
greenhouse gases and aims at reducing the vulnerability of, maintaining, and increasing the 
resilience of, human and ecological systems to negative climate change impacts.  
k) Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM) refers to a process of 
disaster risk reduction and management in which at-risk communities are actively engaged in 
the identification, analysis, treatment, monitoring, and evaluation of disaster risk to reduce 
their vulnerabilities and enhance their capacities, and where the people are at the heart of 
decision-making and implementation of disaster risk reduction and management activities.  
l) 
Complex Emergency refers to a form of human-induced emergency in which the cause of the 
emergency, as well as the assistance to the afflicted, is complicated by an intense level of 
political considerations.  
m) Contingency Planning refers 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.  
n) Dangerous Anthropogenic Interference refers to the effect in the climate system as a result of 
the increase of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere that leads to widespread 
climate change impacts such as the widespread demise of coral reefs.  
o) Disability refers to an evolving concept that results from the interaction between persons with 
impairments, societal barriers, as defined under Republic Act No. 7277, and attitudinal and 
environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal 
basis with others.  
p) Disaster refers 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 resources.  


q) Disaster Mitigation refers to the lessening or limitation of the adverse impacts of hazards and 
related disasters. Mitigation measures encompass engineering techniques and hazard-resistant 
construction as well as improved environmental policies and public awareness, land use 
planning, and climate change.  
r) Disaster Preparedness refers to the knowledge and capacities developed by governments, 
professional response and recovery organizations, communities, and individuals to effectively 
anticipate responses to, and recover from, the impacts of likely, imminent, or current hazard 
events or conditions. It includes preparedness for a response such as contingency planning, 
stockpiling of equipment and supplies, the development of arrangements for coordination, 
evacuation, and public information, and preparedness for recovery such as procurement of land 
for resettlement sites.  
s) Disaster Prevention refers to the outright avoidance of adverse impacts of hazards. It expresses 
the concept and intention to completely avoid potential adverse impacts through action taken 
in advances such as the construction of dams or embankments that eliminate flood risks, land-
use regulations that do not permit any settlement in high-risk zones, and seismic engineering 
designs that ensure the survival and function of a critical building in any likely earthquake.  
t) Disaster Response refers to the provision of emergency services and public assistance during 
or immediately after a disaster to secure and save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public 
safety and meet the basic subsistence needs of the people affected. Disaster response includes 
disaster relief focused on the immediate and short-term needs of the victims and the 
vulnerable.  
u) Disaster Risk refers to the potential disaster losses in lives, health status, livelihoods, assets, 
and services that could occur to a particular community or society in the future, and is 
determined by a combination of the vulnerability, capacity, exposure of persons and assets, 
hazard characteristics and the environment.  
v) Disaster Risk Governance refers to how public authorities, civil servants, media, private sector, 
and civil society coordinate at community, national, and regional, levels to foster climate-related 
during that sufficient levels of capacity and resources are made available to prevent, prepare 
for, manage, and recover from disasters. It also entails mechanisms, institutions, and processes 
for citizens to articulate their interests, exercise and, actions, and mediate their differences.  
w) Disaster Risk Management refers to the systematic process of using administrative directives, 
organizations, and operational skills and capacities to implement strategies, policies, and 
improved coping capacities to lessen the adverse impacts of hazards and the possibility of 
disaster.  
x) Disaster Risk Reduction refers to the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through 
systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters, including through 
reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management 
of land and the environment, and improved preparedness for adverse events.  
y) Disaster Risk and Vulnerability Reduction (DRVR) refers to the concept and practice of reducing 
potential loss of life, injury, or destroyed or damaged assets or disruption which could occur to 
a system, society, or community in a specific period determined probabilistically and conditions 
determined by physical, social, economic and environmental factors or processes which 
increase the susceptibility of an individual, a community, assets or system to the impacts of 
hazards through systematic efforts to analyze and reduce the causal factors of disasters all of 
which contribute to strengthening resilience and therefore to the achievement of sustainable 
development.  
z) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Information System refers to a specialized database 
that contains, among others, information on disasters and their human, material, economic, 
and environmental impact, risk assessment and mapping, and vulnerable and marginalized 
groups. 
aa) Early Warning System refers to the set of capacities needed to generate and disseminate timely 
and meaningful warning information to enable individuals, communities, and organizations 
threatened by a hazard to prepare and act appropriately and in sufficient time to reduce the 
possibility of harm or loss. A people-centered early warning system necessarily comprises four 
(4) key elements: knowledge of the risks; monitoring, analysis, and forecasting of the hazards; 
communication or dissemination of alerts and warnings; and local capabilities to respond to the 
warnings received. The concept of "an end-to-end warning system" emphasizes that warning 


systems need to span all steps from hazard detection to community response. Early warning 
systems include systems developed at the level of communities or based on indigenous 
knowledge.  
bb) Ecosystem Management and Restoration refer to an integrated process to conserve, improve 
and restore the health of the ecosystem that sustains ecosystem services for human well-being.  
cc) Eligible Assisting Actor refers to any assisting actor that has been determined to be eligible to 
receive legal facilities as provided in this Act and, its implementing rules and regulations.  
dd) Emergency refers to the unforeseen or sudden occurrence, especially danger, demanding 
immediate action.  
ee) Emergency Management refers to the organization and management of resources and 
responsibilities for addressing all aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response, 
and initial recovery steps.  
ff) Exposure refers to the degree to which the elements at risk are likely to experience hazard 
events of different magnitudes. 
gg) Gender-Based Violence refers to violence that is directed against a woman because of her 
gender, or that affects women disproportionately. It includes acts that inflict physical, mental, 
or sexual harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion, and other deprivations of liberty.  
hh) Geographic Information System (GIS) refers to a system used to capture, store, manipulate, 
manage and display all types of spatial or geographical data.  
ii) Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GJDA) refers to areas with a marginalized 
population that is physically and socioeconomically separated from the mainstream society and 
characterized by physical factors, and isolated due to distance, weather conditions, and 
transportation difficulties on the island, upland lowland, landlocked, hard to reach and 
underserved communities; and/or socioeconomic factors such as high poverty incidence, 
presence of vulnerable sectors, communities in or recovering from the situation of crisis or 
armed conflict.  
jj) Hazard refers to a dangerous phenomenon, either natural or human-induced, that may cause 
loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihood and services, 
social and economic disruption, or environmental damage.  
kk) Human-Induced Hazard refers to an event caused by humans and occurs in or close to human 
settlements or a particular environmental area. This can include environmental degradation, 
technological or industrial conditions, pollution, accidents such as high-density events, and 
industrial and transport accidents. Complex emergencies, armed conflict, situations of 
generalized or organized violence, and violations of human rights. 
ll) Imminent Danger refers to a situation where, based on official forecasts, a disaster will or is 
expected to occur in a particular geographical area and within an estimated period where 
necessary preparedness actions or financing are required.  
, International Disaster Relief and Initial Recovery Period refers to the period which commences 
upon the issuance of a request for international disaster assistance or upon acceptance of an 
offer and shall continue until terminated under guidelines set in the implementing rules and 
regulations.  
mm) 
Internally Displaced Persons refer to persons or groups of persons who have been 
forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places of habitual residence within national 
borders, in particular as a result of or to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of 
generalized and/or organized violence, violations of human rights, implementation of 
development projects, or natural or human-induced disasters.  
nn) International Personnel refers to the staff and volunteers of any assisting actor providing 
disaster relief or initial recovery assistance, being persons who are neither citizens of, nor 
domiciled in the Philippines before their recruitment by the international assisting actor.  
oo) Land-Use Planning refers to the process undertaken by public authorities to identify, evaluate 
and decide on different options for the use of land, including consideration of long-term 
economic, so, social and environmental objectives and the implications for different 
communities and interest groups, and the subsequent formulation and promulgation of plans 
that describe the permitted or acceptable uses. 
pp) Legal Facilities refer to special entitlements and exemptions that are made available to eligible 
assisting actors under this Act.  


qq) Mitigation refers to the effort to reduce or limit greenhouse gas emissions or enhance 
greenhouse gas sequestration.  
rr) National Continuity Policy refers to a policy aimed at the development of an organizational 
culture that can provide a minimum level of service during interruptions, emergencies, and 
disasters, and return to full operations quickly.  
ss) National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework refers to the comprehensive, all 
hazards, multi-sectoral, inter-agency, and community-based approach to disaster risk reduction 
and management.  
tt) National Disaster Resilience Plan (NDRP) refers to the document to be formulated by the 
National Disaster Resilience Council (NDRC) and implemented by the Authority that sets out 
goals and specific objectives for reducing disaster risks together with related actions to 
accomplish these objectives. The NDRP shall provide for the identification of hazards, 
vulnerabilities, and risks to be managed at the national level; disaster risk reduction and 
management approaches and strategies to be applied in managing said hazards and risks; 
agency roles, responsibilities, and lines of authority at all government levels; and vertical and 
horizontal coordination of disaster risk reduction and management in the pre-disaster and post-
disaster phases. It shall conform with the national disaster risk reduction and management 
framework. 
uu) Natural Hazard refers to naturally occurring physical phenomena caused either by rapid or slow 
onset events which can be geological such as earthquakes, ground rupture, liquefaction, 
landslides, tsunamis, sinkholes, and volcanic activity; hydrological and meteorological such as 
floods, severe winds, typhoons, storm surges, climatological variabilities such as extreme 
temperatures, El Nino, La Nina, forest fires, or biological such as disease, epidemics, and 
insect/animal plagues.  
vv) Open Data refers to facts and statistics that can be freely used, shared, and built on anyone, 
anywhere, for any purpose. These must be available in bulk, should be available free of charge, 
or at least at no more than a reasonable reproduction cost. The information should be digital, 
preferably available by downloading through the internet and easily processed by a computer. 
These must permit people to use, reuse, redistribute, and mix with other data providers. These 
do not allow conditions to be placed on how people can use Open Data but permit a data 
provider to require that data users credit them in some appropriate way, clarify if the data have 
been changed, or that new data sets using their data are also shared as open data.  
ww) 
Persons with Disabilities refer to individuals who have long-term physical, mental, 
intellectual, or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their 
full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.  
xx) Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment refers to a process to evaluate a hazard's level of risk given the 
degree of exposure and vulnerability in a specific area likely to be affected by an imminent 
hazard. It presents the possible impacts on the population and provides a basis to determine 
the appropriate level of response actions of government agencies from the national to the local 
levels. It is hazard-specific, area-focused, and time-bound. 
yy) Post-Disaster Recovery refers to the restoration and improvement, where appropriate, of 
facilities, livelihood, and living conditions of disaster-affected communities, including efforts to 
reduce disaster risk factors, by the principle of "Build Forward Better''.  
zz) Private Sector refers to private corporations, households, non-profit institutions serving 
households, and other economic enterprises outside of government.  
aaa) 
Public Sector Employee refers to all persons in the civil service.  
bbb) 
Recovery refers to rehabilitation measures that ensure the ability of affected 
communities or areas to restore their normal level of functioning by restoring livelihoods and 
services, reconstructing damaged infrastructures, and increasing the communities' 
organizational capacity.  
ccc) Resilience refers to the ability of a system, community, or society exposed to hazards to resist, 
absorb, adapt to, transform, accommodate, and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely 
and efficient manner, including through the preservation and restoration of its essential basic 
structures and functions through risk management in such ways as to enhance their capacities 
to withstand current and future risk.  


ddd) 
Disaster Response refers 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 in the restoration of essential public activities and facilities.  
eee) 
Risk Assessment refers to a methodology which includes risk assessment with mapping 
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.  
fff) Probabilistic Risk Assessment refers to the simulation of those future disasters based on 
scientific evidence, which is likely to occur. As a result, these risk assessments resolve the 
problem posed by the limits of historical data. Probabilistic models "complete" historical records 
by reproducing the physics of the phenomena and recreating the intensity of a large number 
of synthetic events. Probabilistic Risk Assessment considers all possible scenarios, their 
likelihood, and associated impacts. It is characterized by inherent uncertainties partly related 
to the natural randomness of hazards, and partly because of incomplete understanding and 
measurement of the hazards, exposure, and vulnerability.  
ggg) 
Deterministic Risk Assessment refers to an assessment that considers the possible 
disaster impacts of a single scenario. This is in contrast to probabilistic risk assessment which 
considers all possible scenarios, their likelihood, and associated impacts.  
hhh) 
Risk Transfer refers to the process of formally or informally shifting the financial 
consequences of particular risks from one party to another whereby a household, community, 
enterprise, or state authority will obtain resources from the other party after a disaster occurs, 
in exchange for ongoing or compensatory social or financial benefits provided to that other 
party.  
iii) The State of Calamity refers to a condition involving mass casualty and/or major damage to 
property, disruption of means of livelihoods, roads, and normal way of life of people in the 
affected areas as a result of the occurrence of a natural or human-induced hazard.  
jjj) Sustainable Development refers to development that meets the needs of the present without 
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  
kkk) 
Vital Facility Items refer to government risk reduction and preparedness equipment, 
accessories, and other items such as radars, weather forecasting equipment, flood monitoring 
instruments, seismographs, tsunami warning systems, and automated weather systems.  
lll) Vulnerability refers to the characteristics and circumstances of a community, system, or asset 
that make it susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard. The vulnerability may arise from 
various physical, social, economic, and environmental factors.  
mmm) 
Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups refer to those who are at risk due to poverty and 
other underlying risk factors including women, children, the elderly, differently-abled people, 
and ethnic minorities.  
nnn) 
Whole-of-Society Approach refers to the meaningful participation and synergy of 
stakeholders that represent different interests in all aspects of climate change adaptation, and 
disaster risk reduction and management across all levels.  
ooo) 
Whole-of-Government Approach refers to an approach that integrates the collaborative 
efforts of the government departments and agencies to achieve unity of effort toward a shared 
goal to broaden the government's options and increases efficiency to maximize all available 
resources in a collaborative effort. 
ppp) 
Whole-of-Nation Approach refers to an approach that seeks to bring about a concerted 
effort toward national peace and security by creating consensus and understanding of security 
that is shared not just among core security forces and oversight government institutions, but 
also by civil society and all the nation's communities.  
qqq) 
Youth refers to those persons aged fifteen (15) to thirty (30) years old, as provided for 
under Republic Act No. 8044, otherwise known as ''Youth in Nation-Building Act". 
 
CHAPTER II 
DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE 
 
SEC. 4. Creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience. - There is hereby created a 
Department of Disaster Resilience, hereinafter referred to as the Department. 
 


The Department shall be the primary government agency responsible for leading, organizing, and 
managing the national effort to reduce disaster risk, prepare for and respond to disasters, recover and 
rehabilitate, and "Build Forward Better" after the occurrence of disasters.  
 
The Department shall oversee and coordinate the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and 
evaluation of disaster and climate change resilience plans, programs, projects, and activities, and 
provide leadership in the continuous development of strategic and systematic approaches to disaster 
prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation, to anticipatory adaptation 
strategies, measures, techniques, and options.  
The Department shall augment the capacity of LGUs in collaboration with relevant national government 
agencies and other stakeholders to implement disaster risk reduction and management and climate 
change action plans, programs, projects, and activities. 
 
SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Department. - The Department shall exercise and perform 
the following powers and functions:  
a) Risk Reduction 
1) Oversee, direct, and undertake programs and projects to identify, assess, prioritize and 
localize hazards and risks in the country, in consultation with national government agencies, 
LGUs, communities, and stakeholders that shall be involved in disaster risk reduction 
efforts;  
2) Monitor and ensure the integration of disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and 
management and climate change adaptation policies into national development plans;  
3) Design and implement an incentive system for greater private and public investment, both 
local and national, in disaster risk reduction;  
4) Oversee and ensure the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation and disaster risk 
reduction in development planning, including disaster-proofing and climate-proofing of 
land-use plans and the preparation of contingency plans;  
5) Create an enabling environment for the design of relevant and appropriate risk-sharing and 
risk-transfer instruments;  
6) Create an enabling environment that shall promote broader multi-stakeholder participation 
and integrate climate change mitigation, adaptation, and disaster risk and vulnerability 
reduction; 
7) Coordinate directly with LGUs and private entities to address climate vulnerabilities and 
disaster risk assessment (CVDRA) of regions and provinces at the mesoscale, cities, and 
municipalities at the micro-scale, and barangays at the meta-scale;  
8) 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);  
9) Formulate the National Disaster Resilience Framework, National Disaster Resilience Plan, 
and the National Continuity Policy;  
10) Oversee and direct the comprehensive implementation of disaster risk reduction and 
climate change adaptation and mitigation policies, plans, and programs, as embodied in 
the National Disaster Resilience Framework and National Disaster Resilience Plan;  
11) Coordinate directly with LGUs and private entities to address Disaster Risk Assessment 
(DRA) of regions and provinces at the mesoscale, cities, and municipalities at the micro-
scale, and barangays at the meta-scale; and  
12) Review and evaluate local disaster resilience plans and other local plans to ensure their 
consistency with the Climate-Disaster Resilience Framework and Plan. 
 
b) Disaster Preparedness and Response 
1) Oversee and maintain a national early-warning and emergency alert system that shall 
provide accurate, timely, and accessible information to national and local emergency 
response organizations and the general public; 
2) Coordinate information-sharing and other risk reduction protocols following the principle of 
interoperability among national government agencies and LGUs;  


3) Establish and maintain a national humanitarian logistics system with a network of 
warehouses, transport, and resources, including response assets and disaster relief items, 
such as food and non-food items;  
4) Exercise command and control over relevant government agencies, including government-
owned and -controlled corporations, the Philippine National Police, and other law 
enforcement agencies, during an imminent or actual disaster. Such command and control 
shall include the authority to utilize available services, assets, equipment, personnel, 
facilities, and other resources;  
5) Call on the reserve force, as defined in Republic Act No. 7077, otherwise known as the 
"Citizen Armed Force or Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act'', to assist in relief 
and rescue operations during disasters;  
6) Work with the private sector and CSOs for assistance with the use of facilities and resources 
for the protection and preservation of life and property;  
7) Implement pre-disaster risk assessments, including deployment of rapid assessment teams 
to gather information for precise actions as a basis for emergency preparedness and 
humanitarian response;  
8) Organize, train, equip, and maintain a system of response capacity for search, rescue, and 
retrieval, and the delivery and distribution of relief goods; 
9) Monitor and support LGUs in the management of evacuation centers and ensure the welfare 
and dignity of internally displaced persons;  
10) Procure goods and services during emergencies, by existing emergency procurement rules 
and regulations;  
11) Issue special procurement rules and regulations for preparedness, response, and recovery 
activities, including those prompted by a declaration of a state of calamity or an imminent 
disaster; and  
12) Assist in mobilizing the necessary resources to increase the overall capacity of LGUs, 
specifically those with low income and situated in high-risk areas. 
c) Rehabilitation and Recovery 
1) Prepare, organize, lead, implement, and manage post-disaster assessment and recovery 
and rehabilitation programs, in coordination with the affected LGUs, national government 
agencies, and other stakeholders; 
2) Implement the cluster approach to expedite reconstruction efforts and orchestrate and 
serve as the clearinghouse for the participation of assisting actors in such efforts; and  
3) Ensure that the principle of "Build Forward Better" is applied to rehabilitation and recovery 
efforts. 
d) Other Powers and Functions 
1) Provide or designate a secretariat to the Climate Change Commission; 
2) Establish and monitor local and national capacity for climate-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);  
3) Coordinate information-sharing and other disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and 
climate change adaptation protocols following the principle of interoperability among 
national government agencies and LGUs before, during, and after a disaster. Administer, 
oversee, and monitor the utilization of the National Disaster Resilience Fund (NDRF), the 
Disaster Resilience Support Fund (DRSF) for third (3rd) to sixth (6th) class provinces and 
municipalities, and other grants and donations for disaster risk reduction and management 
and climate change adaptation, unless otherwise specified;  
4) Receive, administer, mobilize, monitor, and oversee the utilization of the National Disaster 
Resilience Fund, the Prevention, Mitigation, and Preparedness Fund for third (3rd) to sixth 
(6th) Class Provinces and Municipalities, and donations for disaster risk and vulnerability 
reduction and management and climate change adaptation, unless otherwise specified;  
5) Use of advanced science and technologies in disaster risk reduction and management by 
engaging, consulting with, employing, and regularly funding the academe or higher 
education and research institutions such as the U Diversity of the Philippines Resilience 
Institute and the University of the Philippines Nationwide Operational Assessment of 
Hazards Center or other institutions that have a recognized and credible track record, as 


well as the capacity to conceptualize and implement the science and engineering 
requirements necessary for effective climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction; 
6) Establish a disaster resilience information system to facilitate the creation of an integrated 
risk assessment platform that is built from the inputs of government and private scientific 
and academic institutions, national government agencies and LGUs, local communities, and 
other stakeholders, and can provide readily accessible and actionable information for 
purposes of risk governance and humanitarian action;  
7) Develop the criteria and procedure for the enlistment of accredited community disaster 
resilience volunteers and institutions;  
8) Create and continuously update, in consultation with stakeholders, a manual of operations 
for accredited community disaster resilience volunteers and institutions; and  
9) Perform such other functions as may be necessary for the effective implementation of this 
Act.  
 
CHAPTER III 
GENERAL WELFARE AND EMERGENCY MEASURES 
SEC. 6. General Welfare. - The Department shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those 
necessarily implied therefrom, as well as the powers necessary, appropriate or incidental for its efficient 
and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare, such 
as the implementation of emergency measures including preemptive and forced evacuation, in 
anticipation of, during, and in the aftermath of emergencies, hazards and disasters and only when there 
is imminent danger of loss of Jives and/or property damage.  
 
SEC. 7. Emergency Measures at the National Level. - The Department may require the assistance 
of Jaw enforcement agencies and the uniformed services, such as the PNP and the AFP, as well as 
emergency responders, to assist in the implementation of emergency measures. 
 
SEC. 8. Emergency Measures at the Local Level. -  
a) LGUs shall enact an ordinance on and implement through the Local Disaster Resilience Office 
(LDRO) the necessary and appropriate emergency measures, including preemptive and forced 
evacuation, in anticipation of, during, and the aftermath of emergencies, hazards and disasters, 
and only when there is imminent danger of Joss of lives and/or the property damage 
b) Emergency measures, including preemptive and forced evacuation, shall be carried out in a 
manner that is humane, respectful of the dignity and culture of persons, without using 
disproportionate force, without discrimination, and with conscious attention to the needs of 
vulnerable and marginalized groups.  
c) All measures shall be taken to inform the population, in a manner and language that they can 
understand, of the need for emergency measures and evacuation for their safety, as well as 
the location where they will be taken and for how long they are going to stay there. Adequate 
evacuation centers and transportation to and from the affected area shall be provided by the 
local government. 
SEC. 9. Hierarchy of Evacuation Measures. - 
a) Preemptive evacuation shall be the preferred and primary mode of the evacuation of people 
that will be affected by emergencies, hazards, and disasters. 
b) Forced evacuation shall be considered as an emergency measure of last resort that may be 
undertaken in anticipation of, during, or after an emergency, hazard, or disaster and be carried 
out by the affected local government by the duly issued order by the local chief executive: 
Provided, That in case of the failure of the local government to appropriately issue such order, 
the forced evacuation shall be implemented by the Department, which may direct and compel 
the assistance of law enforcement and other relevant national agencies to implement the said 
emergency measure.  
c) During such forced evacuation, government officials may direct and compel the population to 
be affected or is currently affected by an emergency, hazard, or disaster to relocate to safer 
locations for their safety.  
SEC. 10. Release from Liability in Case of Refusal to Evacuate. - 
a) Any person who willfully and deliberately disregards or opposes the order of forced evacuation 
issued by the local chief executive or the Department, releases the local government or the 


Department from any liability for injury, death, damage to, or loss of property attributed to said 
disobedience.  
b) During the evacuation, priority assistance shall be given to the vulnerable groups and persons 
who willfully comply with the order of forced evacuation.  
SEC. 11. Inspection and Implementation Powers. - The Department shall have an inspection, 
visitorial, and examining authority other government and nongovernmental entities to ensure that all 
funds and assets allocated for disaster resilience are only used for said purposes. The Department shall 
likewise have the power to inspect and examine the status of projects and programs being undertaken 
in furtherance of disaster resilience efforts.  
 
Whenever it becomes necessary, the Department may assume responsibility for the implementation of 
and directly implement any program or project in anticipation of, during, and in the aftermath of 
emergencies, hazards, and disasters. 
 
SEC. 12. Utilization of Private Property for Public Purpose. - The Department shall have the 
power to utilize any private property for an 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 and property damage, subject to payment of just compensation in appropriate cases.  
 
SEC. 13. Emergency Powers. -  Whenever it becomes necessary, the Department, subject to the 
approval of the President, may call on the AFP or the PNP, in coordination with the Secretary of National 
Defense and the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, to prevent or suppress lawless 
violence and ensure the protection and preservation of life or property in anticipation of, during, and in 
the aftermath of emergencies, hazards and disasters.  
 
Whenever warranted by circumstances, the Department may call upon other agencies and 
instrumentalities of the government, as well as nongovernment organizations for the protection and 
preservation of life and/or property in anticipation of, during, and in the aftermath of emergencies, 
hazards, and disasters including private organizations, for assistance in the use of their facilities and 
resources.  
 
SEC. 14. Emergency Arrangements. - The Department shall have the power to negotiate, enter 
into, institutionalize and coordinate arrangements with any private person or juridical entity to ensure 
the adequate and prompt availability of all goods and services necessary in anticipation of, during, and 
in the aftermath of emergencies, hazards and disasters and only when there is imminent danger of loss 
of lives and/or property damage. 
 
CHAPTER IV 
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT 
 
SEC. 15. The Secretary. - The Department shall be headed by a Secretary who shall be appointed 
by the President.  
 
SEC. 16. Powers and Functions of the Secretary. - The Secretary of the Department shall exercise 
the following powers and functions:  
 
a) Establish and promulgate policies, rules, and regulations for the effective and efficient operation 
of the Department;  
b) Exercise executive direction over the operations of the Department and administrative 
supervision over its attached agencies;  
c) Manage the financial and human resources of the Department;  
d) Appoint officers and employees of the Department, except presidential appointees, by civil 
service law, rules, and regulations;  
e) Exercise disciplinary authority over officers and employees of the Department by law;  
f) 
Coordinate with other government agencies, the private sector, and CSOs on the policies, 
programs, projects, and activities of the Department, as may be necessary;  


g) Advise the President on the promulgation of executive and administrative issuances and the 
formulation of regulatory and legislative proposals on matters about disaster resilience;  
h) Serve as the Vice-Chairperson of the Climate Change Commission (CCC);  
i) 
In coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs, represent the Philippines in the climate 
change negotiations and articulate the national contribution to global, regional, and other inter-
governmental disaster risk reduction and humanitarian platforms;  
j) 
Call upon the AFP and the PNP to render assistance in disaster-affected areas; and  
k) Promulgate such rules and regulations and perform such other functions as may be necessary 
or proper to attain the objectives of this Act.  
 
SEC. 17. Organizational Structure, Functions, and Management. - The Department shall be 
composed of the following officials and offices: 
a) The Secretary, as provided for under this Act; 
b) Five (5) Undersecretaries, to be appointed by the President, who shall assist the Secretary in 
administering the affairs of the Department, one to be responsible for Resilience, one to be 
responsible for Policy and Governance, one to be responsible for Operations, one to be 
responsible for Administration and Finance, and the Senior Undersecretary. The 
Undersecretaries shall have functional and operational supervision over the bureaus, divisions, 
offices, and units assigned to their respective functional areas;  
c) Ten (10) Assistant Secretaries, to be appointed by the President, who shall assist the Secretary 
in administering the affairs of the Department to be responsible for overall staff supervision, 
Internal Audit, Administration, Disaster Resilience Fund Management, Fiscal Management, 
Operations, Mobilization, Plans and Programs, Legal, Project Management and Sustainable 
Development; 
d) Eleven (11) Service Directors who shall head the following Services: the Administrative and 
Financial Management Service, the Logistics and Resource Management Service, the 
Operations Service, the Responders Management Service, the Policy Development and Planning 
Service, the Capacity-Building and Training Service, the Legal Affairs and Compliance Service, 
the Disaster Risk Reduction Service, the Climate Change Service, the Recovery and 
Reconstruction Service, and the Strategic Communications Service: 
1) The Administrative and Financial Management Service shall provide the Department 
with economical, efficient, and effective services relating to human resource 
management and development, financial management, and general administration 
services to support civil defense and disaster risk reduction and management 
operations and functions. 
2) The Logistics and Resource Management Service shall be responsible for the efficient 
and effective management of all the assets and resources of the Department; the 
efficient and effective gathering, maintenance, and updating of a database of pertinent 
assets and resources belonging to any agencies and instrumentalities of the 
Government, as well as nongovenon-government organizations in support of 
operational readiness for utilization by the Department; and the procurement of 
necessary assets and resources to be maintained and utilized by the Department. 
3) The Operations Service shall be responsible for formulating, implementing, and 
monitoring the operational plans of the Department and ensuring its operational 
readiness, as well as the effective functional management of the Emergency 
Management Operations Center.  
4) The Responders Management Service shall be responsible for the efficient and effective 
gathering, management, and updating of a national roster of individuals and groups 
from the civilian sector, volunteer organizations, uniformed services, and the reserve 
force in support of operational readiness for utilization by the Department.  
5) The Policy Development and Planning Service shall be responsible for providing 
responsive, efficient, and effective services relating to research, planning, 
programming, budgeting, project development, and policy formulation of civil defense 
and disaster risk reduction and management projects and activities.  
6) The Capacity-Building and Training Service shall be responsible for building and 
developing the capacity of the Department's personnel, civil defense practitioners, 
communities, and other stakeholders.  


7) The Legal Affairs and Compliance Service shall provide legal advice to the Department; 
interpret laws and rules affecting the administration and operations of the Department; 
prepare and review contracts and instruments to which the Department is a party; 
interpret provisions of contracts covering work involving the Department, and monitor 
the compliance with regulatory and reportorial matters involving the Department.  
8) The Disaster Risk Reduction Service shall be responsible for reducing disaster risks 
through systematic efforts and programs of the Department to analyze and reduce the 
causal factors of disasters such as exposure to hazards, lessening vulnerability of 
people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improving 
preparedness and early warning for adverse events which are all examples of disaster 
risk reduction.  
9) The Climate Change Service shall lead in the development and mainstreaming of 
evidence-based climate adaptation and mitigation policies of the Department through 
optimum coordination among key stakeholders towards achieving a climate-resilient 
and the climate-smart Philippines with healthy, safe, prosperous, and self-reliant 
communities.  
10) The Recovery and Reconstruction Service shall provide responsive, efficient, and 
effective services relating to the formulation of standards for rehabilitation and 
recovery programs, projects, activities, and their subsequent implementation.  
11) The Strategic Communications Service shall be responsible for the formulation and 
implementation of the strategic communications plans and programs of the 
Department; serve as the public affairs arm of the Department tasked with directing, 
supervising, and controlling the Department's public information programs and 
activities, as well as establishing and maintaining rapport with the media and the 
general public; 
 
e) Divisions, units, and offices as may be created by the Department and whose officers and 
employees shall be appointed by the civil service law, rules, and regulations;  
f) 
The National Climate and Disaster Resilience Research, Education, and Training Institute under 
the Capacity-Building and Training Service, to be headed by a Director with the rank of Director 
IV;  
g) Regional and other field offices of the Department that shall be established in each 
administrative region, each to be headed by a Regional Director with the rank of Director IV; 
h) Bureaus that are under the supervision and control of the Department;  
i) 
Seconded personnel from relevant agencies and detailed service from the uniformed services, 
as appropriate; and  
j) 
Grievance desks in every region, which shall serve as a referral mechanism and shall work 
jointly with relevant agencies, to receive complaints from the public regarding violations of this 
Act. It shall assist the complainant in the gathering of relevant documentation and other 
evidence to support the said complaint. The grievance desk shall facilitate the forwarding of 
the complaint to the appropriate office within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof, and shall 
provide timely feedback and updates regarding the status of the complaint. The grievance desk 
shall use the best available technology to ensure that complaints are endorsed to the proper 
office and are addressed. 
 
CHAPTER V 
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 
 
SEC. 18. Fiscal Management. - The Department shall manage all funds appropriated to it by 
Congress and from other sources. This shall include all donations, as contemplated under the 
succeeding paragraph, subject to the provisions of Section 3, paragraph (D) of Article IX, of the 1987 
Constitution on the auditing powers of the Commission on Audit.  
 
SEC. 19. Donation. – 
a) The Department shall have the power to receive donations and grants from any person, 
government institution, corporation, international organization, and other similar entities, and 


the power to recommend the procurement of developmental assistance for disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction and management and climate change adaptation;  
b) It shall be mandatory for the Department to acknowledge and certify the receipt of all 
Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) grants and donated funds and ensure their judicious 
management including their proper and accurate audit reporting to constituents;  
c) The importation and donation of food, clothing, medicine, and equipment for relief and recovery 
and other disaster management and recovery-related supplies are hereby authorized, Section 
800, Chapter 1, Title 8, of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the "Customs 
Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)", 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;  
 
All importations and donations under Section ll(c) of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known 
as the "Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)" shall be considered as importation or 
donation to the Department, subject to the approval of the Office of the President. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT AND WHOLE-OF-NATION APPROACHES 
 
SEC. 20. National Disaster Resilience Council. – 
a) There is hereby created the National Disaster Resilience Council (NDRC), which shall serve as 
the policy advisory body to the Department on disaster risk reduction and management and 
climate change adaptation, consistent with the policies and scope as defined in this Act. 
b) The NDRC shall be chaired by the Secretary of Disaster Resilience and shall be composed of 
the following: 
1) Secretary of Science and Technology; 
2) Secretary of the Interior and Local Government; 
3) Secretary of Social Welfare and Development; 
4) Secretary of National Defense; 
5) Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority; 
6) Secretary of Health; 
7) Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources; 
8) Secretary of Agriculture; 
9) Secretary of Education; 
10) Secretary of Energy; 
11) Secretary of Finance; 
12) Secretary of Trade and Industry; 
13) Secretary of Transportation; 
14) Secretary of Budget and Management;  
15) Secretary of Public Works and Highways; 
16) Secretary of Foreign Affairs; 
17) Secretary of Justice; 
18) Secretary of Labor and Employment; 
19) Secretary of Tourism; 
20) Secretary of Information and Communications Technology; 
21) Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; 
22) Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education; 
23) Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; 
24) Chief of the Philippine National Police; 
25) Head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office; 
26) Secretary-General of the Philippine National Red Cross; 
27) Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights; 
28) Executive Director of the Council for Welfare of Children; 
29) Lead Convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission; 
30) Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women; 
31) Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council; 
32) Chairperson of the National Council for Disability Affairs; 


33) Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples; 
34) Chairperson of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; 
35) Chairperson of the National Youth Commission; 
36) President of the Government Service Insurance System; 
37) President of the Social Security System; 
38) President of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; 
39) President of the Home Development Mutual Fund; 
40) President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines; 
41) President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines; 
42) President of the League of Cities of the Philippines; 
43) President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines; 
44) President of the Liga ng mga Barangays; 
45) Maximum of six (6) representatives from the academe and other relevant research 
institutions; 
46) Maximum of six (6) representatives from the civil society organizations; and 
47) Maximum of six (6) representatives from the private sector. 
 
c) Composition - The Council has hereby organized into five (5) clusters, namely: Disaster 
Prevention and Mitigation to be led by DOST, Disaster Preparedness to be led by DILG, Disaster 
Response by DSWD, Logistics led by DND, and Recovery and Sustainable Development led by 
NEDA.  
d) Technical Management Advisory Group – The Department may constitute, as the need arises, 
a technical management advisory group from the different stakeholders, that shall coordinate 
and meet with the Department as often as necessary to effectively manage and sustain national 
efforts on disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and emergency management, and climate 
change adaptation and mitigation.  
e) Guidelines for the Department of Disaster Resilience Fund (DDRF) and Local Disaster Resilience 
Fund (LDRF) - The Department shall provide the necessary guidelines and procedures on the 
DDRF and the LDRF releases as well as utilization, accounting, and auditing thereof. 
 
SEC. 21. Monitoring, Reporting, and Validation. –  
 
a) Monitoring and Reporting. On or before the last quarter of the preceding year, member 
agencies of the National Disaster Resilience Council shall submit to the Department through 
the Council Secretariat their respective DDR annual work and financial plans (AWFPs) for the 
next year. The AWFPS shall be based on the DDR Plan. The member agencies shall submit to 
the Secretariat quarterly progress reports of their implementation of the A WFPs within thirty 
(30) days from the end of each quarter. 
 
The Department is likewise accountable, liable, and responsible for monitoring and requiring 
the appropriate implementation of remedial measures by member agencies of the Council 
during a state of calamity. It shall have the authority and power to require reports from the 
appropriate member agencies regarding the implementation of such measures.  
 
b) Validation. The Secretary shall require the submission of reports from LGUs to validate the 
progress reports of the Council member agencies. The submission shall be through the local 
field offices of the DDR.  
 
Every two (2) years, the implementation of the Climate- Disaster Resilience Plan (CDRP) and 
utilization of the Local Disaster Resilience Fund (LDRF) of each province, LGUs, and the 
independent city shall be evaluated by the Regional Disaster Resilience Council (RDRC) based 
on appropriate criteria, such as the award, recognition, citation criteria for provinces, cities and 
municipalities, barangay and stakeholders.  
1) The Regional Disaster Resilience Councils (RDRC) - The Regional Disaster Resilience 
Councils (RD RCs) shall coordinate, integrate, supervise, and evaluate the activities of 
the LDRCs. It shall be accountable, responsible, and liable for ensuring climate-disaster 
risk-sensitive and inclusive regional development plans, and in case of emergencies 


shall convene the different regional line agencies and authorities, concerned 
institutions, developmental partners, and multiple stakeholders. 
 
The Regional Directors of the Department shall serve as chairpersons of the RDRCs 
and the Regional Directors of the DSWD, the DILG, and the NEDA shall serve as cluster 
heads. In the case of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the 
Chief Minister shall be the RDRC Chairperson. In the case of Metro Manila, the MDRC 
shall be headed by the Chairperson of the Metro Manila Development Authority 
(MMDA).  
 
The RDRCs shall establish the RDRC Secretariat and operating facility to be known as 
the Regional Disaster Resilience Council Secretariat and Operations Center.  
 
The RD RCs shall be composed of concerned regional agencies, offices, LG Us, and 
other multiple stakeholders.  
 
i. 
LDRC Budgetary Requirements of LDRO - The budgetary requirements for 
personal services, maintenance, and other operating expenditures, and capital 
outlay of the LDRO shall be sourced from the General Fund of the LGU, subject 
to Section 76 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the "Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended. The enforcement of Sections 325(a) 
and 33l(b) of Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, shall be waived to enable 
the LGUs to fund the initial year requirements for the creation of the minimum 
five (5) mandatory positions of the LDRO.  
 
Other maintenance and operating expenditures, and other capital outlay 
requirements of the LDRO in the implementation of disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction management and climate change adaptation programs 
shall be charged to the Local Climate- Disaster Resilience Fund of the LGUs; 
 
ii. 
Establish linkage or network with other LGUs for disaster risk and vulnerability 
reduction, climate change adaptation, and emergency response purposes;  
iii. 
Recommend through the LDRC, the enactment of local ordinances consistent 
with the requirements of this Act;  
iv. 
Establish a Provincial, City, Municipal, and Barangay Climate and Disaster 
Resilience Operations Center; and  
v. 
Encourage Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) to 
establish their Climate and Disaster Resilience Operations Center within their 
territories.  
 
SEC. 22. Synergy with Stakeholders. - The Department shall ensure seamless synergy and 
coordination with stakeholders, including CSOs, the academe, and the private sector, about disaster 
resilience programs and projects and the development and promotion of research, education, and 
training mechanism stakeholders.  
 
The Department shall establish a platform, paradigm, and mechanisms for convergence and 
coordination with stakeholders, including the development of standards, protocols, and procedures for 
collaboration for disaster resilience.  
 
SEC. 23. 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 align the disaster resilience efforts of the private sector, CSOs, 
academe, and other stakeholders with the Department by assisting, coordinating, or providing services 
that strengthen public-private cooperation and coordination in disaster resilience, including the 
following: 
 


a) Establishment and implementation of business continuity practices to ensure the continued 
delivery of products and services, in the event of disasters;  
b) Establishment and implementation of a National Continuity Policy to ensure service continuity 
during power and utility interruptions, emergencies, and disasters and ensure the quick return 
to full operations;  
c) Establishment, incorporation, and application of business continuity plans as part of the disaster 
resilience plans of local government units;  
d) Facilitation or assistance in obtaining or processing incentives for the private sector or other 
nongovernment stakeholders; and  
e) Preparation and facilitation of the issuance of appropriate guidelines for MSMEs relating to 
mechanisms on procurement and liquidity to create enabling environment for DDR.  
 
The MSCU shall establish a platform that includes, among others, a database for monitoring 
and coordinating the efforts and resources of stakeholders.  
 
CHAPTER VII 
DISASTER RISK AND VULNERABILITY REDUCTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE 
ADAPTATION MAINSTREAMING, INTEGRATION AND CONVERGENCE 
 
SEC. 24. Integration of DRR and Climate Change Adaptation in the Climate and Disaster 
Resilience Framework and Plan. - The existing National Disaster Resilience Framework and plan 
and the National Climate Change Strategic Framework and Plan shall be enhanced by the Climate and 
Disaster Resilience Framework and plan which provides for the comprehensive probabilistic multi-
hazards, multi-scenario, multi-sectoral, resilience-building, and community risk-based approach and 
management of disaster and climate risk, and provide for the integration of disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction and climate change adaptation, as well as the mainstreaming in other sectoral 
policies. It shall be reviewed every three (3) years.  
 
The Climate and Disaster Resilience Plan shall provide for the following: (1) identification of the 
underlying factors of risk, or the nature and degree of hazards, vulnerabilities, exposures, and 
capacities, which need to be managed at the national level; (2) disaster risk and vulnerabilities reduction 
and management approaches and strategies to be applied in managing said hazards and risks; (3) 
agency roles, responsibilities, and lines of authority at all government levels; and (4) vertical and 
horizontal coordination of climate change adaptation, disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and 
management before, during, and after a disaster. The Climate and Disaster Resilience Plan shall 
conform with the framework.  
 
The Climate and Disaster Resilience Framework and Plan for climate-disaster risk governance, climate 
vulnerability assessment, risk assessment, and risk management shall be formulated and jointly 
approved by the NDRC and the CCC.  
 
SEC. 25. Ecosystem-Based Approach to Prevention and Mitigation, Rehabilitation and 
Recovery from Disaster. - The Department shall ensure the application of ecosystems-based 
approaches in disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and climate change adaptation, particularly 
through ecosystem management and restoration as defined in this Act, and ensuring that environmental 
and natural resource policies are risk-informed. 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
CLIMATE AND DISASTER RESILIENCE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING 
INSTITUTE 
 
SEC. 26. Creation of the Climate and Disaster Research, Education, and Training Institute. 
–  
a) Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, the Department shall establish the Climate 
and Disaster Resilience Research, Education, and Training Institute in collaboration with higher 
education institutions and private and state universities and colleges (SUCs) which shall be a 


world-class center of excellence for learning and research in the field of disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction and management and climate change adaptation;  
b) The Climate and Disaster Resilience Research, Education, and Training Institute shall be headed 
by a Director. The organizational structure and staffing pattern shall be determined by the 
Department in consultation with the DBM and civil service laws, rules, and regulations.  
c) The Climate and Disaster Resilience Research, Education, and Training Institute shall have the 
following functions:  
1) Establish regional branches as well as provincial, city, or municipal branches, if deemed 
necessary, to train individuals from the public and private sectors in the fields of 
disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management, climate change adaptation, 
and ecosystem management and restoration, among others; 
2) Develop and implement inclusive and ladderized curricula on climate change 
adaptation, and disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management;  
3) Develop research programs and a knowledge management system on climate change 
adaptation and disaster risk and vulnerability reduction management for innovation 
and capacity-building and development;  
4) Partner with public and private academic and research institutions, the private sector, 
civil society, community-based disaster risk, and vulnerability reduction management 
and climate change adaptation practitioners, and other relevant sectors in developing 
research opportunities and programs on climate vulnerability and disaster risk 
assessment;  
5) Establish a resource center for information, education and communication materials, 
research, publications, best work practices, lessons identified and learned, and other 
knowledge products on disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management, and 
climate change adaptation;  
6) Consolidate and prepare information, education, communication, and training materials 
or publications to assist disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management, and 
climate change adaptation practitioners in the planning and implementation of their 
plans, programs, projects, and activities;  
7) Organize and recognize a community of climate change adaptation and disaster risk 
reduction and management practitioners; and  
8) Accredit, recognize, monitor, and evaluate climate change adaptation, disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction, and management training institutions. 
 
d) Financial Support to the Center: 
1) The budget for the Climate and Disaster Resilience Research and Training Center shall 
be sourced from the annual General Appropriations Act. 
2) The Department shall assist in the establishment of Research and Training Centers at 
the provincial, city, and municipal governments, as appropriate. The funding for such 
local Climate and Disaster Resilience Research and Training Centers may be sourced 
from the eighty (80%) percent portion of the LDRF and other financial sources of the 
local government unit concerned. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
INTEGRATION, MAINSTREAMING CLIMATE AND DISASTER RESILIENCE INFORMATION, 
EDUCATION, AND COMMUNICATION CONVERGENCE 
 
SEC. 27. Climate and Disaster Resilience Information Management System (CDRIMS). - The 
Department shall establish a National and Regional Information Management System for Climate and 
Disaster Resilience. It shall constitute a physical central database of all 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 and climate change vulnerability assessment. The CDRIMS shall at all times be made 
available to the Emergency Operations Center of the National and Regional Climate and Disaster 
Resilience Council (NRCDRC) development partners and multi-stakeholders to access critical information 
and ensure that the collection processing, analysis, and dissemination of information is timely, reliable 


and accurate to support overall decision making and effective coordination both at the national and 
sub-national level. 
 
SEC. 28. Disaster Resilience and Climate Change Education and Training. –  
a) The Department of Education, CHED, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
(TESDA), in coordination with the National Youth Commission (NYC), the Department of 
Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), 
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), 
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other relevant agencies, 
developmental institutions, and nongovernment organizations shall integrate disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction and climate change adaptation education in the school curricula at all 
levels of education, from K to 12 to tertiary levels, including the early and adult learning 
programs, National Service Training Program (NSTP), and education for children and persons 
with special needs, whether private or public, including formal and non-formal, technical-
vocational, indigenous learning, out-of-school youth courses and programs, and other channels 
of educational integration, including media, church, entertainment centers (malls), international 
and domestic airports and transport terminals. 
b) The Civil Service Commission (CSC), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and other 
licensure bodies shall integrate disaster risk and vulnerability reduction management and 
climate change adaptation questions in all professional and licensure examinations. 
c) In coordination with the Department and the Climate and Disaster Resilience Research, 
Education, and Training Institute shall develop a curriculum for courses or subjects specific to 
disaster risk and vulnerability reduction management and climate change adaptation, and shall 
mandate all tertiary learning institutions to offer these subjects.  
d) The Parents and Teachers Community Associations shall initiate, support, and participate in 
disaster risk and vulnerability reduction management and climate change adaptation-related 
activities in schools and host communities.  
e) The DepEd, the CHED, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), 
and, other developmental institutions, community-based practitioners, and organized 
nongovernmental organizations shall formulate and institutionalize flexible learning options 
such as online modules, supplemental learning materials, resources, and platforms, as part of 
its climate change adaptation, disaster risk, and vulnerability reduction and governance, 
analysis, and management strategy.  
f) 
The DepEd, CHED, TESDA, developmental institutions and community-based organizations 
shall regularly review, monitor, evaluate and report to the Council on the status of integration, 
mainstreaming, and implementation of climate change adaptation, disaster risk, and 
vulnerability reduction and management in public and private schools and other learning 
institutions. 
g) The LDROs shall form formal partnerships with tertiary learning institutions within their 
respective jurisdictions to provide standard and ladderized training programs for LGU officials 
and other disaster risk and vulnerability reduction management and climate change adaptation.  
h) The DRC, the RDRCs, the LDRCs, the LDROs, the BDRCs, and the Sangguniang Kabataan shall 
encourage the community, specifically the youth, participation in disaster risk and vulnerability 
reduction and climate change adaptation activities, such as Information, Education and 
Communication (IEC) campaigns organizing quick response groups, particularly in identified 
disaster-prone areas, as well as the inclusion of DRVR-climate change adaptation programs as 
part of programs and projects of the Sangguniang Kabataan, youth organizations and 
community-based disaster risk and vulnerability reduction management and anticipatory 
adaptation initiatives. 
i) 
There shall be mandatory training on climate change adaptation-DRVR for public and private 
sector employees, including teachers and Climate-Disaster Resilience Coordinators from both 
the public and private learning institutions, who shall be trained in emergency preparedness 
and response in compliance with the provisions of this Act. 
 
SEC. 29. Standard Mechanism for Cascading Information, Education and Communication 
on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk and Vulnerability Reduction. –  


a) The DRC shall promote and advocate a culture of resilience and responsible-accountable, liable, 
and responsible citizenship through information, education, and communication that is 
appropriately integrated, calibrated, inclusive, localized, science- and risk-based, gender, 
culture, disability-sensitive accessible using multimedia. Information, education, and 
communication on climate change adaptation and disaster risk and vulnerability reduction 
management should be compelling but not alarming. 
b) The NDRC shall formulate a Strategic Risk Communications Plan to encompass the entirety of 
disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and climate change adaptation to achieve the desired 
behavioral and attitudinal change towards responsible citizenship and a culture of resilience. It 
shall serve as a reference for continuous awareness raising and education at all levels of the 
government and multiple stakeholders. 
c) A Climate and Disaster Resilience Information Officer shall be designated at all levels of the 
Department to ensure implementation of the disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and 
management and climate change adaptation information, education, and communication 
campaign and shall serve as the primary coordinator for the dissemination of information, 
education, and communication on climate change adaptation and disaster risk and vulnerability 
reduction management. 
 
SEC. 30. Declaration of Imminent Disaster. - The DDR shall provide guidance and operating 
guidelines to LDRCs for the declaration of imminent disaster in their respective areas which shall allow 
them to implement preemptive measures and use their quick response funds to save lives and minimize 
damage to property, loss of livelihood assets.  
 
SEC. 31. Flash Appeal or Appeal for International Assistance. - Upon consultation with the 
NDRC and in cognizance of the urgency, criticality, and intensity of imminent risk, the DDR 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. 
 
CHAPTER X 
CLIMATE AND DISASTER RISK INSURANCE AND INCENTIVES 
 
SEC. 32. Climate and Disaster Risk Transfer, Insurance and Social Welfare. – 
a) The Department shall oversee all climate and 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 shall ensure the mandatory insurance of all assets and properties of national 
government agencies including government-owned or • controlled corporations, and those over 
which the government has an insurable interest, as prescribed under Republic Act No. 656, 
otherwise known as the "Property Insurance Law". The insurance shall be provided by any 
government insurance agency.  
c) The Department shall oblige the LGUs the mandatory insurance coverage of assets, properties, 
and livelihood of vulnerable and marginalized groups for unforeseen or contingent potential 
losses, damages and disruption from natural hazards and human-induced disasters chargeable 
against the LDRF.  
 
SEC. 33. Recognition and Incentives. - Unless otherwise provided, the Department shall establish 
an incentives program that recognizes outstanding performance of LDRC, NGOs, CSOs, private sectors, 
schools, hospitals, and other stakeholders in promoting and implementing significant disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction management-climate change adaptation programs and innovations, and 
meritorious acts of individuals, groups or institutions during natural or human-induced disasters. 
 
CHAPTER XI 
PREPAREDNESS AND INTEGRATED EARLY WARNING 
 
SEC. 34. Standards for Disaster Preparedness Activities. – 


a) The NDRC shall establish standards for disaster preparedness, contingency planning, localizing 
and operationalizing disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management, preparedness 
for disaster response, preparedness for early recovery, continuity of essential services, and 
other relevant preparedness activities.  
b) LGUs shall identify safe or strategic sites, and establish evacuation centers with appropriate 
and adequate facilities by government-approved standards as provided under Republic Act No. 
10821, otherwise known as the "Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act", to avoid avoid 
classes and lessen the use of school buildings and facilities as evacuation centers.  
 
The LGUs shall immediately compensate schools used as evacuation centers. The schools may 
seek compensation for renovation or repairs of damaged facilities for such use. 
 
SEC. 35. 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 prevent, prepare for, respond to, and 
recover from possible risks caused by natural and human-induced hazards and climate risk. 
The NDRC shall issue a policy and the Department shall oversee and monitor the 
implementation of this policy. 
b) The Department and all other concerned agencies with an integrated early warning and 
information mandate shall collaborate with the local executives and officers to disseminate 
climate-disaster risk information through the involvement of LGUs, community-based 
organizations, CSOs, and other non-governmental organizations.  
 
SEC. 36. Early Warning Mandate. –  
a) The Department shall issue an integrated early warning for hydro-meteorological, geologic, or 
terrestrial phenomena to the appropriate government agencies or government-accredited 
organizations for forecasting and early warning purposes. The Department shall recognize and 
proactively support local or indigenous modes of early warning systems and allow open access 
to real-time data from both local and international sources made available through various 
platforms such as websites, mobile applications, and social media to empower local 
communities and individuals.  
b) The Department shall enhance and strengthen Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and 
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and 
Seismology (PHIVOLCS) mandates under Republic Act No. 10692 and Executive Order No. 128, 
Series of 1987, respectively.  
c) The Department shall recognize and proactively support local or indigenous modes of early 
warning systems and allow open access to real-time data from both local and international 
sources made available through various platforms such as websites, mobile applications, and 
social media to empower local communities and individuals. 
d) Transmission of Early Warning. A person who transmits early warning concerning the 
abovementioned phenomena using signs in designs, colors, lights, or sound shall do so in 
compliance with the methods recognized or approved by the NDRC.  
e) The NDRC at the national and subnational level shall consider the use of an integrated early 
warning system to ensure it is consistent and locally contextualized with the communication 
protocol and safe evacuation procedure of the affected communities to achieve zero casualties, 
to zero death.  
f) 
The Department shall consider working with other agencies or organizations on pre-crisis 
information mapping of the humanitarian needs of the at-risk community that will enhance the 
overall prepositioning of resources at the national and local levels. 
 
CHAPTER XII 
DISASTER RESPONSE AND EARLY RECOVERY 
 
SEC. 37. 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 NDRC.  
 


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 the Department, through the LDRC, may seek from the local legislative body or 
Sanggunian, the declaration of a state of imminent disaster to enable the local executives to implement 
preemptive evacuation and precautionary measures to save lives and minimize damage to property, 
loss of livelihood, and disruption of livelihood that require the use of funds and resources under the 
LDRF. 
 
SEC. 38. Emergency Management. - The respective Climate and Disaster Resilience Councils shall 
lead in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the effects of any disaster, upon due 
consideration to the economics of classification, capacity, and vulnerability of the local governments 
concerned: 
 
a) The Barangay Disaster Resilience Council (BDRC) if one barangay is affected;  
b) The city/municipal Disaster Resilience Councils (DRCs), if two (2) or more barangays are 
affected;  
c) The provincial Disaster Resilience Council (DRC) if two (2) or more cities/municipalities are 
affected;  
d) The regional Disaster Resilience Council (DRC), if two (2) or more provinces are affected; and  
e) The NDRC if two (2) or more regions are affected. 
 
SEC. 39. Humanitarian Assistance Action Center. - The DRC shall institutionalize a one-stop-shop 
mechanism through the Humanitarian Assistance Action Center for the processing and release of goods, 
articles, or equipment intended for humanitarian assistance and the processing of necessary documents 
for international assisting actors. The Humanitarian Assistance Action Center shall be managed by the 
Department and shall be composed of the following NDRC agencies: 
 
a) Department of Finance - Bureau of Customs; 
b) Department of Foreign Affairs; 
c) Department of Social Welfare and Development; 
d) Department of Health; 
e) Food and Drug Administration; 
f) 
Department of Agriculture; 
g) Department of Energy; 
h) Philippine National Police; 
i) 
Philippine Coast Guard; and 
j) 
Department of Justice - Bureau of Immigration. 
 
SEC. 40. Accreditation, Mobilization, and Protection of Disaster Volunteers and National 
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 e, 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 Community Disaster Resilience Volunteers (ACDRVs) 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 by this Act and implementing guidelines to be formulated by the 
NDRC. Any volunteer who died or was injured while engaging in any of the activities defined under this 
Act shall be entitled to compensatory benefits and individual personal accident insurance as may be 
defined under the guidelines.  
 


SEC. 41. Reporting of Humanitarian Assistance. - The concerned LGU shall submit a report to 
the Department, on all domestic or international humanitarian assistance received and distributed within 
its area of responsibility. 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE 
 
SEC. 42. International 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. 43. Assessment of the Need for International Humanitarian Assistance. –  
a. Immediately after the declaration of a state of calamity by the sanggunian of an LGU 
or by the Department, as the case may be, the Department shall determine as to 
whether domestic capacities are likely to be sufficient to attend to the needs of affected 
persons for international humanitarian assistance. This determination may also be 
made by the President, before the onset of an imminent disaster.  
b. In the event the Department determines 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. 44. Request for International Humanitarian Assistance. – The President may request 
international humanitarian assistance upon the advice of the Department. Such request may be 
specifically directed to particular assisting international actors, or it may be a general request directed 
to the international community.  
 
SEC. 45. Humanitarian Assistance Action Center. – The Department shall institutionalize an 
interagency one-stop-shop mechanism called the Philippine International Humanitarian Assistance 
Reception Action Center (PIHARAC) for the processing and release of entry and facilitation of goods, 
articles or equipment, and services of international relief workers for the provision of international 
humanitarian assistance, and the processing of necessary documents for assisting international actors.  
 
CHAPTER XIV 
OFFER AND FACILITATION OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO FOREIGN STATES 
 
SEC. 46. Offer and Facilitation of International Humanitarian Assistance to the Foreign 
States. – In the event of a disaster occurring in a foreign state for which international humanitarian 
assistance is required, the Department may offer, facilitate and provide international humanitarian 
assistance to such foreign state, which shall be subject to guidelines to be promulgated by the 
Department for the purpose.  
 
SEC. 47. 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 such offer, facilitation, and provision of international 
humanitarian ·assistance to a foreign state. 
 
CHAPTER XV 
LEGAL FACILITIES FOR ELIGIBLE ASSISTING INTERNATIONAL ACTORS 
 


SEC. 48. Guidelines for Coordination of International Humanitarian Assistance. –The DRC 
shall issue comprehensive guidelines on the initiation, entry, facilitation, transit, and regulation of 
international relief goods and personnel, as well as eligibility guidelines to utilize the legal facilities for 
assisting international actors provided hereunder.  
 
SEC. 49. Visa Waiver. – Eligible assisting international actors shall be entitled to waiver of entry visa 
requirements, including any associated fees or charges, to perform Disaster Relief and Initial Recovery 
Assistance work for their sponsoring entities without the requirement to seek a separate residence or 
work permit.  
 
SEC. 50. Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications. – 
 
a) Eligible assisting international actors wishing to deploy international personnel for tasks 
requiring legal recognition of their foreign professional qualifications shall certify the validity of 
those qualifications under the law of the country where they were obtained and the competence 
of their personnel for the tasks envisaged.  
b) The Department shall establish the guidelines and scope for recognition of foreign professional 
qualifications for disaster response and early recovery.  
c) Recognition of qualifications shall remain valid until the end of the International Initial Recovery 
Period, absent individual criminal conduct or other professional misconduct sufficient to bar the 
individual from professional practice in the country 
 
SEC. 51. Recognition of Foreign Driving Licenses. – Foreign driving licenses of eligible assisting 
international actors shall be accorded temporary recognition during the International Disaster Relief 
and Initial Recovery Periods.  
 
SEC. 52. Facilitation of Access. – The international personnel of eligible assisting international actors 
shall be allowed access to disaster-affected areas and persons requiring Disaster Relief or Initial 
Recovery Assistance, subject to coordination requirements as mandated by the Department and 
limitations based on national security, public order, or public health, weighed in the context of the 
urgency of the disaster needs. They shall be permitted to provide their goods and services directly to 
affected persons. 
 
ENTRY OF INTERNATIONAL DISASTER GOODS AND EQUIPMENT 
SEC. 53. Customs Facilitation and Priority Treatment. – The Department shall facilitate the rapid 
importation or consignment of goods and equipment by eligible assisting actors and shall accord them 
priority treatment in handling.  
 
SEC. 54. Duty of Compliance by Eligible Assisting Actors. – To benefit from the aforementioned 
legal facilities, eligible assisting international actors shall:  
 
a) Declare that all the goods and equipment they seek to import under this Act are exclusively for 
Disaster Relief or Initial Recovery Assistance and that they comply with any relevant standards 
under Philippine laws; and  
b) Pack, classify and mark their consignments by the requirements described in this Act and its 
implementing rules and regulations. 
 
SEC. 55. Exemption from Import Duties, Taxes, and Restrictions. – Consignment of goods and 
equipment by or on behalf of eligible assisting international actors shall benefit from: 
 
a) Exemption from all duties and taxes; 
b) Waiver of economic prohibitions and restrictions except for categories of special goods 
and equipment that may be indicated by the Department; and 
c) Clearance without regard to the country of origin or the country from which the goods 
have arrived, subject to monitoring for reasons of public health and security. 
 


EXPEDITED ENTRY AND USE RESTRICTIONS FOR SPECIFIC INTERNATIONAL DISASTER 
GOODS AND EQUIPMENT 
 
SEC. 56. Simplification of Documentation Requirements. – 
a) Consignment of goods and equipment sent by or on behalf of eligible assisting 
international actors shall be cleared or released based on a simplified goods declaration 
providing the minimum information necessary for the Bureau of Customs to identify 
the goods and equipment and subject, when deemed necessary, to completion of a 
more complete declaration within a specified period.  
b) The requirements for the declaration for all imports of goods or equipment by or on 
behalf of eligible assisting international actors and any supporting documents relating 
to said consignment, release, and clearance of goods or equipment shall be simplified 
and lodged without a fee.  
 
SEC. 57. Telecommunications Equipment. – Eligible assisting international actors shall be 
permitted to import telecommunications equipment for Disaster Relief or Initial Recovery Assistance 
without restrictions, except as required by NDRC guidelines and other laws for purposes of national 
security or public order. The NDRC shall provide guidelines for the manner of use of telecommunications 
equipment as well as a waiver of licensing requirements or fees.  
 
SEC. 58. Medications. - Eligible assisting international actors shall be permitted to import and 
transport medications and medical equipment for Disaster Relief or Initial Recovery Assistance so long 
as they conform to the implementing rules and regulations to be provided by the NDRC.  
 
SEC. 59. Food. – Food imported by eligible assisting international actors for disaster relief and recovery 
shall be admitted under expedited procedures set out by the DRC.  
 
SEC. 60. Imported Vehicles. - The granting of local registration and plates for vehicles imported by 
eligible assisting international actors shall be expedited. 
 
PERMITTED DISPOSITION OF EQUIPMENT AND UNUSED GOODS 
 
SEC. 61. Disposition of Equipment and Unused Goods. – The DRC shall provide the guidelines 
for the retention, re-exportation, donation and, disposal of unused goods and equipment after the 
termination of Disaster Relief and Initial Recovery Assistance operations.  
 
CHAPTER XVI 
RECOVERY 
 
SEC. 62. Standards for Recovery. – The Department shall observe internationally accepted 
standards for recovery, planning, programming, and implementation of the recovery process and shall:  
 
a) Improve the community's physical, social and economic resilience, consistent with the 
principle of "Build Forward Better''; 
b) Use locally-driven and 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. 
 


CHAPTER XVII 
REMEDIAL, MEASURES UNDER A STATE OF CALAMITY 
 
SEC. 63. Remedial Measures Under State of Calamity. – Upon the declaration of a state of 
calamity, the following remedial measures shall be immediately undertaken by concerned government 
agencies both at national and local levels:  
 
a) Imposition of price ceiling on necessities and prime commodities by the National Price 
Control Council, 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 Coordinating Council of 
overpricing/profiteering and hoarding of prime commodities, medicines, and petroleum 
products;  
c) Programming/reprogramming of funds for the repair of critical facilities or public 
infrastructures that are vital for the quick delivery of humanitarian assistance, to reduce 
the threats to lives and arrest further deterioration of properties and loss of livelihoods 
in the affected communities, following the "Build Forward Better" principle: 
1) Grant of no-interest loans by government financing or lending institutions to the 
most vulnerable and marginalized groups or individuals; and  
2) Local tax exemptions, incentives, or reliefs under such terms and conditions as 
may be deemed necessary by the affected LGU. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII 
PROCUREMENT 
 
SEC. 64. General Rule on Procurement. – Any procurement of goods, services, consultancy, or 
infrastructure for disaster risk and vulnerability reduction, and climate risk, whether at the national or 
local level shall conform to the provisions and implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 
No. 9184, otherwise known as "Government Procurement Reform Act'', as amended.  
 
SEC. 65. Emergency Procurement. - To expedite disaster response and early recovery, the 
procurement or lease of equipment and delivery of goods and services through emergency procurement 
or purchase at the site shall be allowed. Periods of action on procurement activities may also be waived 
for the same purpose and conditions. 
 
CHAPTER XIX 
PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES 
SEC. 66. Prohibited Acts. - Any public official, private person, group, or corporation who commits 
any of the following prohibited acts shall be liable and be subjected to the criminal and administrative 
penalties as provided for in Section 67 of this Act, without prejudice to the imposition of another 
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 gross neglect of duty:  
1) Dereliction of duties which leads to destruction, loss of lives, critical damage to 
facilities, and misuse of funds;  
2) Failure to create a functional LDR office within six (6) months from the approval of 
this Act;  
3) Failure to appoint a permanent local disaster resilience officer within six (6) months 
from the approval of this Act;  
4) Failure to prepare and implement a Contingency and Adaptation Plan for hazards 
frequently occurring within their jurisdictions; and  
5) Failure to formulate and implement the LDRP with the corresponding budget 
allocation.  
6) Sexual exploitation and abuse, and other forms of sexual misconduct to the 
affected population or at-risk communities shall be punishable under existing 
criminal and administrative laws.  


b) Prohibited Acts of Public Officials and Private Persons or Institutions – 
1) Delaying, without justifiable cause the delivery or improper handling or storage of 
aid commodities, resulting in damage or spoilage;  
2) Withholding the distribution of relief goods due to: (a) political or partisan 
considerations; (b) discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, or gender; and 
(c) other similar circumstances;  
3) Preventing the entry and distribution of relief 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 aid commodities which are intended for distribution to 
disaster-affected communities; 
5) Buying, for consumption or resale, from disaster-affected persons, 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, 01Â· other aid commodities intended for 
or consigned to a specific group of victims or relief agency; 
8) Diverting or misdelivery of relief goods, equipment, or other aid commodities to 
persons other than the rightful recipient or consignee; 
9) Accepting, possessing, using, or disposing of relief goods, equipment, or other aid 
commodities not intended for nor consigned to them; 
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 were released upon the instance of a 
particular agency or persons; and  
iii. 
Making a false verbal claim that the goods, equipment, or other aid 
commodities in their untampered original containers came from another 
agency or persons or were released upon the instance of a particular 
agency or persons; 
11) Substituting or replacing relief goods, equipment, or other aid commodities with 
the same items or of inferior/cheaper quality;  
12) Illegal solicitations by persons or organizations representing others as defined in 
the standards and guidelines set by the NDRC;  
13) Deliberate use of false or 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 possessing 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 or 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 abovementioned prohibited acts; and 
18) Benefitting from the proceeds or fruits of any of the abovementioned prohibited 
acts knowing that the proceeds or fruits are derived from the commission of the 
prohibited acts. 
 
SEC. 67. Penalties. - The following penalties shall be imposed on any individual, corporation, 
partnership, association, or other juridical entity that commits any of the prohibited acts in the preceding 
section: 
 


a) 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 (₱ 1,000,000.00) but not more than Three 
million pesos (₱ 3,000,000.00), or both imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the 
court, shall be imposed upon any person found guilty of violating subsections (b)(1) to 
(b)(16), 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;  
b) Imprisonment of not less than six (6) years but not more than eight (8) years or a fine 
of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (₱ 500,000.00) but not more than One 
million pesos (₱ 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;  
c) 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 (₱ 200,000.00) but not more than Five 
hundred thousand pesos (₱ 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 acts in the preceding 
section, in violation of subsection (b)(18) thereof; 
d) Perpetual disqualification from public office aside from the penalty of fine or 
imprisonment or both, shall be imposed if the offender is a public officer and 
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 the such offender is an alien, 
the person shall, in addition to the penalties prescribed in this Act, be deported without 
further proceedings after service of the sentence; 
f) 
Payment of the full cost of repair or replacement of the government risk reduction and 
preparedness equipment, accessories and other vital facility or 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 
g) The prosecution for offenses set forth under the preceding section shall be without 
prejudice to any criminal liability for violation of Act No. 3815, as amended, otherwise 
known as the "The Revised Penal Code", and other existing laws, as well as the 
imposition of applicable administrative or civil liabilities. 
 
CHAPTER XX 
APPROPRIATIONS 
 
SEC. 68. Appropriations. –  
 
a) The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Act shall be taken from the current 
fiscal year’s unexpended appropriation to the Department. Thereafter, the amount needed for 
the operation and maintenance of the Department shall be included in the General 
Appropriations Act. 
b) National Disaster Resilience Fund (NDRF). The utilization and allocation of the entire NDRF 
(Calamity Fund) and its quick response fund component shall be managed by the Department 
except as provided for by specific laws. 
c) Local Disaster Resilience Fund (LDRF). No less than seven percent 7% of the estimated revenue 
from regular sources shall be set aside as the LDRF to support disaster risk and vulnerability 
reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation programs, projects, and activities. The 
LDRC shall monitor and evaluate the use and disbursement of the LDRF based on the LDRP as 
incorporated in the local development plans and annual work and financial plan. Upon the 
recommendation of the LDRO and approval of the sanggunian concerned, the LDRC may 


transfer the said fund to support the disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and climate change 
adaptation work and initiatives of other LDRCs that are declared under a state of calamity. 
1) Of the amount appropriated for LDRF, twenty percent (20%) shall be allocated as a 
Quick Response Fund (QRF) or standby fund for prepositioning of goods and relief and 
early recovery programs that the situation and living conditions of people in 
communities or areas stricken by disasters, epidemics, or complex emergencies, may 
be normalized as quickly as possible. 
2) Of the annual appropriation for the LDRF, eighty percent (80%) shall be appropriated 
for climate change adaptation, disaster risk and vulnerability reduction, prevention, 
adaptation and mitigation programs, projects, and activities focusing on both the 
institutional capacity building of vulnerable communities and risk-reducing 
infrastructure. The NDRC shall pass a resolution to set the priority allocations and 
govern and trigger the acceleration and implementation of this section.  
3) Of the amount appropriated for the Disaster Resilience Fund, twenty percent (20%) 
shall be allocated as a Quick Response Fund (QRF) or standby fund for prepositioning 
of goods and equipment and relief and early recovery programs that the situation and 
living conditions of people in communities or areas stricken by disasters, epidemics, or 
complex emergencies, may be normalized as quickly as possible.  
4) All departments/agencies and LGUs that are allocated with LDRF shall submit to the 
Department their monthly statements on the utilization of LDRF and make an 
accounting thereof according to accounting and auditing rules.  
5) All departments, bureaus, offices and agencies of the government are hereby 
authorized to use a portion of their appropriations to implement projects designed to 
address disaster risk and vulnerable reduction-climate change adaptation activities by 
the DRP and the guidelines to be issued by the DRC in coordination with the 
Department Budget and Management (DBM) and Commission on Audit (COA). 
 
Unexpended LDRF shall accrue to a trust fund solely to support disaster risk reduction 
and management and climate change adaptation activities of the LDRCs within the 
next two (2) years. Any such amount still not fully utilized after two (2) years shall 
revert to the general fund and will be available for other social services to be identified 
by the local sanggunian.  
 
The NDRC shall issue guidelines on the utilization and release of LDRF in coordination 
with other concerned government agencies. 
 
d) Prevention, Mitigation, and Preparedness Fund for third (3'd) to sixth (6th) class provinces and 
municipalities. There shall be in the annual General Appropriations Act an amount allotted solely 
for the use of third (3rd) to sixth (6th) class provinces and municipalities to augment their LDRF 
concerning plans, programs, projects, and procurement for climate change adaptation, disaster 
risk prevention, mitigation, and preparedness. The requirements to avail of this fund shall be 
laid down in the rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Secretary. 
 
CHAPTER XXI 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 69. Transfer and Attachment. – 
 
a) The applicable powers, functions, funds, and appropriations of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 
and the Climate Change Office (CCO), Geo-Hazard Assessment and Engineering Geology 
Section of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Health and Emergency Management 
Bureau of the Department of Health (DOH), the Disaster Response Assistance and Management 
Bureau (DREAMB) of the DSWD, and the Bureau of Fire Protection are hereby transferred to 
the Department. 
b) The disaster risk reduction and management functions, assets, and personnel of the Office of 
Civil Defense (OCD) currently under the DND, are hereby transferred to the Department, and 
the civil defense functions shall remain with the DND;  


c) The existing organizational and administrative systems and processes of the transferred OCD 
shall serve as the core organization of the Department.  
d) The Climate Change Office of the Climate Change Commission shall continue its functions under 
Republic Act No. 10174 under the Department.  
e) The following agencies are hereby attached to the Department:  
 
1) Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration 
(PAGASA); and  
2) Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). 
 
f) 
The employees of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) shall remain as a distinct entity within 
the Department including their uniformed personnel status and benefits.  
 
The Department shall, by this Act, be subrogated to all the rights and assume all the liabilities 
of the agencies absorbed under this Act, and all their funds, records, property, assets, 
equipment, and such personnel as necessary, including unexpended appropriations or 
allocations. All contracts and liabilities of the said agencies are hereby transferred to and 
assumed by the Department and shall be acted upon by the Auditing Code and other pertinent 
laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
SEC. 70. Separation Benefits of Officials and Employees of Affected Agencies. - National 
government employees displaced or separated from the service as a result of this Act shall be entitled 
to separation pay and other benefits by Republic Act No. 6656, and other existing laws, rules, or 
regulations: Provided, that those who are qualified to retire under existing retirement laws shall be 
allowed to retire and receive retirement benefits to which they may be entitled under applicable laws 
and issuances.  
 
SEC. 71. Magna Carta for DDR Personnel. - Qualified employees of the DDR, LGUs, and its attached 
units shall be covered by Republic Act No. 8439, known as the "Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, 
Researchers and Other S & T Personnel in the Government", and Republic Act No. 7305, otherwise 
known as the "Magna Carta of Public Health Workers".  
 
CHAPTER XXII 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 72. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department, in consultation with concerned 
stakeholders, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this 
Act within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.  
 
SEC. 73. Congressional Oversight Committee. - There shall be created a Congressional Oversight 
Committee on Climate Change and Disaster Resilience to monitor and oversee the implementation of 
the provisions of this Act. The Committee shall be composed of six (6) members from the Senate and 
six (6) members from the House of Representatives with the Chairpersons of the Committees on 
National Defense and Security of both the Senate and the House of Representatives as joint 
Chairpersons of this Committee. The five (5) other members from each Chamber are to be designated 
by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The minority 
shall be entitled to pro rata representation but shall have at least two (2) representatives from each 
Chamber.  
 
SEC. 74. Review. - Five (5) years after the effectivity of this Act, or as the need arises, the 
Congressional Oversight Committee shall conduct a systematic evaluation of the accomplishments and 
impact of this Act, as well as the performance and organizational structure of its implementing agencies, 
for purposes of determining remedial legislation.  
 
SEC. 75. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.  
 


SEC. 76. Repealing Clause. – 
 
a) Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known as the "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction 
and Management Act of 2010," is hereby repealed. 
b) The following provisions are hereby amended or modified, accordingly: 
1) Section 30 of Executive Order No. 128, Series of 1987, Reorganizing the 
National Science and Technology Authority;  
2) Section 6 of Republic Act 6975, otherwise known as the "Department of the 
Interior and Local Government Act of 1990"; 
3) Sections 3(d) and 5 of Republic Act No. 9729, otherwise known as the "Climate 
Change Act of 2009", as amended by Republic Act No. 10174;  
4) Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10639, otherwise known as "The Free Mobile 
Disaster Alerts Act"; and  
5) Section 5 of Republic Act No. 10692, otherwise known as "The PAGASA 
Modernization Act of 2015". 
c) All other laws, decrees, executive orders and issuances, proclamations, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
SEC. 77. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,