Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No4809

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to institute a Canine Volunteer Program in the country. It will be a
comprehensive government program that would entail the registration and training of canines
and their owners who wish to volunteer for search and rescue operations during disasters and
crisis situations. The Program will also contain incentives in order to encourage volunteers to
register and participate.

Cooperation is the key to ensure the protection and safety of everyone during disasters
and crisis situations. It is important that each and every member of the community is willing
and able to cooperate during dangerous situations in order that the management of such
situations would become more efficient and effective.

One of the most effective aids that can be utilized during disasters and crisis situations
are dogs. Their sense of smell and ability to probe nooks and crannies that humans cannot
penetrate make them ideal partners in saving and protecting lives. With the belief that the spirit
and tradition of “bayanihan” is alive in each and every Filipino, dog owners who wish to
volunteer their services and that of their pets in search and rescue operations should thus be
given a chance to do so. This will not only help ease the burden of government during such
operations given its limited resources, but ultimately redound to the saving of more lives.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RO: NO m INO B! BIAZON

Representative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

4809

House Bill No.

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

AN ACT
INSTITUTING A CANINE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM IN THE PHILIPPI
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Canine Volunteer Law”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — \t is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure
the welfare and protection of its citizens at all times especially during disasters. It shall employ
all available resources to guarantee the security, safety and well-being of communities and its
residents. Towards this end, the State shall come up with programs and mechanisms to attain
this objective.

Sec. 3. Canine Volunteer Program. — There is hereby instituted a Canine Volunteer
Program in the Philippines, hereinafter referred to as the Program. It shall be a comprehensive
government program that would entail the registration and training of canines and their owners
who wish to volunteer for search and rescue operations during disasters and crisis situations.
The Program shall also contain incentives in order to encourage volunteers register and
participate.

Sec. 4. Registration, Training and Utilization. — The Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Office (DRRMO) of all cities and municipalities shall come up with a registry of
volunteer canines and their owners. Local government units, through their respective
DRRMOs, in cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police
and other government agencies that have the capability to train canines for search and rescue
operations shall coordinate and come up with a feasible and efficient training and utilization
program for these canines and their owners.

Sec. 5. Appropriations. — The amounts necessary for the effective and successful
implementation of this Act shall come from the local disaster risk reduction and management
funds of local government units.


Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of the Department of
Interior and Local Government in cooperation with the Secretary of National Defense shall
‘come up with the rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. — If for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other sections or provisions hereof, unaffected thereby,
shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders and rules and
regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended
accordingly.

Sec. 9. Efectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
any two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,