Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  1356
Introduced by 4Ps Partylist Representative 
JC M. ABALOS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is the region where a lot of 
volcanic and seismic activities are recorded. Moreover, the Philippines is also part of 
the Typhoon Belt, making the country prone to at least 20 storms a year. Out of the 
twenty typhoons each year, it is seen that at least five of these are expected to make 
landfall. It is for this reason that the Philippines is considered one of the world’s 
most disaster-prone countries.  
This bill aims to complement the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Act 
signed into law in 2010 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The bill 
mandated a framework to ensure swift, efficient, and orderly preparation for natural 
calamities. This also led to the institutionalization of the National Disaster Risk 
Reduction and Management Plan. As a complement to the aforementioned law, this 
will ensure an institutionalized structure for natural calamities.  
The creation of the Department of Risk Reduction will ensure risk reduction, 
disaster preparedness, and response, and swift rehabilitation and recovery every 
time there is a natural calamity. It will also capacitate local government units, and 
other agencies, in ensuring that government response is harmonious with other 
simultaneous efforts. Moreover, the Department of Disaster Resilience would aid the 
government in disaster preparation, coordination, and immediate assistance, 
1 
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9:24 am


especially in times of calamity where losses of life, injury, and destruction of 
property are seen and/or expected.  
This measure, initially envisioned by Rep. Yedda Romualdez in the 17th 
Congress, was subsequently refiled in the 18th Congress as a consolidation of several 
related bills passed by the House of Representatives. It has also been refiled during 
the 19th Congress. 
In view of the foregoing reasons, the approval of the bill is most earnestly 
sought.  
JC M. ABALOS 
Representative 
4Ps Partylist 
2 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  1356 
Introduced by 4Ps Partylist Representative 
JC M. ABALOS 
AN ACT CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE, 
DEFINING ITS MANDATE, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND  
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER 1 
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. — The State shall carry out 
and harmonize the policies on disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and 
management, environmental management, and 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, 
3 


 
resilience to disasters, and develop and implement a holistic disaster risk 
management at all levels. 
 
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 ensure 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 
(DRR) 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 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 the 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 to overcome human suffering due to disasters;  
3.​ Ensure a science based in a 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 
4 


 
approach to lessening the socio – economic 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 local 
government units (LGUs), together with development partners, 
stakeholders in building 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 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. This may include the use of impact  based forecast models, 
and probabilistic hazard maps; 
 
7.​ Ensure transparency and accountability in climate disaster risk 
governance by facilitating access to financial records of public and 
disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management data, and 
ensure the transparency of humanitarian assistance from all sources; 
 
8.​ Ensure that disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and climate 
change adaptation measures are gender, disability and vulnerability 
sensitive and culturally sensitive, recognizing indigenous knowledge 
systems and practices, and respecting human rights; 
 
9.​ 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 identification of 
local risk patterns, and decentralized powers, responsibilities, and 
resources at the regional and local levels; 
 
10.​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 
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adhering to transparency accountability and other principles of good 
governance 
within 
the 
context 
of 
poverty 
alleviation 
and 
environmental protection; 
 
11.​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, so as to minimize loss of lives and damage to 
properties and ensure that communities in conflict zones can 
immediately resume their normal lives at the conclusion of episodes of 
intermittent conflicts; 
 
12.​Adopt a disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management 
approach that is holistic, comprehensive, integrated, and proactive in 
lessening the socio – economic and environmental impacts of disaster 
including climate change, and promote the involvement and 
participation of all sectors and stakeholders concerned, at all levels, 
especially the local communities; 
 
13.​Prioritize the development of disaster prevention and mitigation 
measures involving all levels of society and government; 
 
14.​Adopt risk sharing and risk transfer mechanisms to ensure the 
appropriate efficient and timely recovery of disaster – stricken 
communities, especially for the poorest and the most vulnerable; 
 
15.​Adhere to the principle of “Build Forward Better” in recovery and 
rehabilitation efforts by applying sustainable standards, programs, 
technologies and techniques which enhance resilience against future 
hazards; 
 
16.​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 
with respect to disaster risk reduction and management, at the same 
time, recognizing their inherent capacities to contribute to resilience; 
 
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17.​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; and 
 
18.​Ensure the use of advanced science and the most up to date 
technologies in climate adaptation, disaster risk and vulnerability 
reduction and management through engagement, consultation, and 
employment with a regular department funding of academe 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 science and engineering requirements necessary 
for effective climate change adaptation, and disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction; 
 
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 a safer, more adaptive, resilient, and 
inclusive community. 
 
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 
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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 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 
non-government 
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 RA 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 
on land use. 
 
i.​ Climate Change 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. 
 
j.​ Climate Finance – refers to finance that aims at reducing emissions, and 
enhancing sinks of greenhouse gasses and aims at reducing 
vulnerability of, and 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 I which 
at risk communities are actively engaged in the identification, analysis, 
treatment, monitoring and evaluation of disaster risks in order to 
reduce their vulnerabilities and enhance their capabilities, and where 
8 


 
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 assistance to the afflicted 
is complicated by intense levels 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 concentration in 
the atmosphere that leads to widespread climate change impacts such 
as 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 RA 7277, and attitudinal 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 own 
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 knowledge and capacities developed by 
governments, professional response and recovery organizations, 
communities and individuals to effectively anticipate, respond to, 
recover from, the impacts of likely, imminent or current hazard events 
or conditions. It includes preparedness for response such as 
contingency planning, stockpiling of equipment and supplies, the 
9 


 
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 advance such as 
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 in order 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 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 the way in which the public 
authorities, civil servants, media, private sector, and civil society 
coordinate at community, national and regional levels in order to 
manage disaster and climate related risks. This means ensuring 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 their legal rights and obligations, 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 in order to lessen the adverse impacts of hazards and the 
possibility of disaster. 
 
10 


 
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 - refers to the concept and 
practice of reducing potential loss of life, injury, or destroyed or 
damaged assets or disrupted which could occur to a system, society or 
a community in a specific period of time, 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 which 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 to 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 "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 - refers to an integrated process 
to conserve, improve and restore the health of the ecosystem that 
sustains ecosystem services for human well-being. 
11 


 
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 - unforeseen or sudden occurrence, especially danger, 
demanding immediate action. 
 
ee.​Emergency Management - the organization and management of 
resources and responsibilities for addressing all aspects of emergencies, 
in particular preparedness, response and initial recovery. 
 
ff.​ Exposure - The situation of people, infrastructure, housing, production 
capacities and other tangible human assets located in hazard-prone 
areas. 
 
gg.​Forced Evacuation - An order of last resort from competent authority to 
forcibly evacuate residents to an appropriate evacuation area to 
forestall their exposure to an imminent disaster or to prevent further 
exposure to residual risks after the onslaught of a disaster. 
 
hh.​Gender-based Violence - the 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. 
 
ii.​ Geographic Information System (GIS) - refers to a system used to capture, 
store, manipulate, manage and display all types of spatial or 
geographical data. 
 
jj.​ Geographically  Isolated  and Disadvantaged  Area  (GIDA) - the areas  with  
a marginalized population which is physically and socio-economically 
separated from the mainstream society and characterized by physical 
factors isolated due to distance, weather conditions and transportation 
difficulties (island, upland lowland, landlocked, hard to reach and 
underserved communities); and/or socio-economic factors – (high 
poverty incidence, presence of vulnerable sector, communities in or 
recovering from situation of crisis or armed conflict). 
 
kk.​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. 
12 


 
ll.​ Home-based evacuees - refer to displaced affected population staying 
with relatives, friends, other host families, community facilities aside 
from the official evacuation center 
 
mm.​ 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, 
industrial and transport accidents, complex emergencies, armed 
conflict, situations of generalized or organized violence, and violation 
of human rights. 
 
nn.​International Disaster Response and Early Recovery Period - 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 pursuant to guidelines set in the implementing rules 
and regulations. 
 
oo.​Humanitarian Assistance - Covers disaster response and recovery 
assistance designed to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain and 
protect human dignity during and in the aftermath of disasters, in line 
with the principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality. 
 
pp.​Imminent Disaster - Refers to a situation where on the basis of official 
forecasts it could reasonably be expected that a disaster will occur in a 
particular geographical area and within an estimated period of time, 
and where necessary preparedness actions or financing are required. 
 
qq.​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 pursuant to guidelines set in the 
implementing rules and regulations. 
 
rr.​ Internally Displaced Persons - 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 in order 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. 
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ss.​ International Humanitarian Assistance - Any aid and action taken by any 
duly coordinated foreign government or organization in the form of 
financial donations, international relief workers and in-kind donations, 
for the benefit of disaster affected areas, aimed at providing emergency 
response, rehabilitation, and recovery operations to mitigate and 
address the effects of disasters or major emergencies. 
 
tt.​ International Relief Workers - 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 
prior to their recruitment by the international assisting actor. 
 
uu.​Land-Use Planning - 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, 
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. 
 
vv.​Legal Facilities - the special entitlements and exemptions that are made 
available to eligible assisting actors under this Act. 
 
ww.​
Mitigation - refers to effort to reduce or limit greenhouse gas 
emissions or enhance greenhouse gas sequestration. 
 
xx.​National Continuity Policy - refers to a policy aimed at the development 
of an organizational culture that has the ability to provide a minimum 
level of service during interruptions, emergencies, and disasters, and 
return to full operations quickly. 
 
yy.​National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework - the 
comprehensive, 
all 
hazards, 
multi-sectoral, 
inter-agency 
and 
community-based 
approach 
to 
disaster 
risk 
reduction 
and 
management. 
 
zz.​National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) - the 
document to be formulated by the NDRRMC and implemented by the 
Department that sets out goals and specific objectives for reducing 
disaster risks together with related actions to accomplish these 
objectives. The NDRRMP 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 
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be applied 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 be in 
conformity with the national disaster risk reduction and management 
framework. 
 
aaa.​
National Service Reserve Corps - refers to the entity composed of all 
graduates of non-ROTC components of the National Service Training 
Program in accordance with Republic Act 9163, the National Service 
Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001. 
 
bbb.​
Natural Hazards - naturally occurring physical phenomena caused 
either by rapid or slow onset events which can be geological 
(earthquakes ground rupture, liquefaction, landslides, tsunamis, 
sinkholes, and volcanic activity), hydrological and meteorological 
(floods, severe winds, typhoons, storm surges), climatological 
variability (extreme temperatures, El Niño, La Niña, forest fires), or 
biological (disease, epidemics and insect/animal plagues and 
pandemics). 
 
ccc.​
Older persons/senior citizen/elderly - refers to any resident citizen of 
the Philippines at least sixty (60) years old. 
 
ddd.​ Open Data - data that can be freely used, shared and built-on by 
anyone, anywhere, for any purpose. It must be available in bulk, it 
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 too. It also must permit people to use it, 
re-use it, and redistribute it, including intermixing with other datasets 
and distributing the results. Lastly, it does not allow conditions to be 
placed on how people can use Open Data, but it does permit a data 
provider to require that data users credit them in some appropriate 
way, make it clear if the data has been changed, or that any new 
datasets created using their data are also shared as open data. 
 
eee.​
Persons with Disabilities - those 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. 
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fff.​Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment - 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 forms a basis to determine the 
appropriate level of response actions from  
the  
national level  
government  agencies  down  to the  local government units. It is 
hazard-specific, area focused and time-bound. 
 
ggg.​
Preemptive Evacuation - An order from competent authority to 
voluntarily evacuate residents to an appropriate evacuation area to 
forestall their exposure to an imminent disaster 
 
hhh.​ Post-Disaster Recovery - the restoration and improvement where 
appropriate, of facilities, livelihood and living conditions of disaster- 
affected communities, including efforts to reduce disaster risk factors, 
in accordance with the principles of “build back better”. 
 
iii.​Private Sector - private corporations, households, non-profit institutions 
serving households, and other economic enterprises outside of 
government. 
 
jjj.​ Public Sector Employees - all persons in the civil service. 
 
kkk.​
Recovery - the restoring or improving of livelihoods and health, as 
well as economic, physical, social, cultural, and environmental assets, 
systems, and activities, of a disaster-affected community or society, 
aligning with the principles of sustainable development and “build 
back better”, to avoid or reduce future disaster risk. 
 
lll.​Reconstruction - The medium-and long-term rebuilding and sustainable 
restoration of resilient critical infrastructures, services, housing, 
facilities, and livelihoods required for the full functioning of a 
community or a society affected by a disaster, aligning with the 
principles of sustainable development and “build back better”, to 
avoid or reduce future disaster risk. 
 
mmm.​Rehabilitation - The restoration of basic services and facilities for the 
functioning of a community or a society affected by a disaster. 
 
nnn.​ Relief Goods - Refer to food packs and non-food items to be given 
directly to the victims of a disaster or other emergency in order to meet 
their immediate humanitarian needs. 
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ooo.​
Resilience - The ability of a system, community or society exposed to 
hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate, adapt to, transform, 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. 
 
ppp.​ Response - 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. 
 
qqq.​
Risk Assessment - a methodology to determine the nature and extent 
of risk by analyzing potential hazards and evaluating existing 
conditions of vulnerability that together could potentially harm 
exposed people, property, services, livelihood and the environment on 
which they depend. 
 
rrr.​Probabilistic Risk Assessment - simulates those future disasters which, 
based on scientific evidence, are likely to occur (UNISDR, 2015). As a 
result, these risk assessments resolve the problem posed by the limits 
of historical data (UNISDR 2015). Probabilistic models "complete" 
historical records by reproducing the physics of the phenomena and 
recreating the intensity of a large number of synthetic events (UNISDR, 
2015). 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 our incomplete understanding and measurement of 
the hazards, exposure, and vulnerability. 
 
sss.​
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. 
 
ttt.​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. 
 
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uuu.​ State of Calamity - a condition involving mass casualty and/or major 
damages 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 natural or human- induced hazard. 
 
vvv.​
Sustainable Development - the development that meets the needs of 
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to 
meet their own needs. 
 
www.​Underlying Disaster Risk Drivers/ Underlying Risk Factors - Processes 
or conditions, often development-related, that influence the level of 
disaster risk by increasing levels of exposure and vulnerability or 
reducing capacity. 
 
xxx.​
Vital Facility Items - refers 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. 
yyy.​
Vulnerability - refers to the characteristics and circumstances of a 
community, system or asset that make it susceptible to the damaging 
effects of a hazard. Vulnerability may arise from various physical, 
social, economic, and environmental factors. 
 
zzz.​
Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups - those who are at risk due to 
poverty and other underlying risk factors including, but not limited to, 
women, children, elderly, differently-abled people, and ethnic 
minorities. 
 
aaaa.​ Whole-of-society Approach - the meaningful participation of and 
synergy of stakeholders that represent different interests in all aspects 
of climate change adaptation, disaster risk and vulnerability reduction 
and management across all levels. “Acknowledge the contribution of 
an important role played by all relevant stakeholders, including 
individuals, 
families 
and 
communities, 
intergovernmental 
organizations and religious institutions, civil society, academia, the 
media, voluntary associations and, where and as appropriate, the 
private sector and industry.” 
 
bbbb.​ Whole of Government Approach - an approach that integrates the 
collaborative efforts of the departments and agencies to achieve unity 
of effort toward a shared goal to broaden the government’s options, 
18 


 
increases efficiency to maximize all available resources in a 
collaborative effort.” 
 
cccc.​ Whole of Nation Approach - refers to an approach that seeks to bring 
about a concerted effort towards 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. 
 
dddd.​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, herein after 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 
resilience plans, programs, projects, and activities, 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 local governments units 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 functions: 
 
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, local governments 
units, communities, and stakeholders that shall be involved in disaster 
risk reduction efforts; 
19 


 
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 local government units and private entities to 
address climate vulnerabilities and disaster risk assessment (CVDRA) 
of regions and provinces at the meso-scale, 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 Disaster Resilience 
Framework and Disaster Resilience Plan; 
 
11.​Coordinate directly with local government units and private entities to 
address Disaster Risk Assessment (DRA) of regions and provinces at 
the meso-scale, cities and municipalities at the micro-scale, and 
barangays at the meta-scale; 
20 


 
12.​Review and evaluate local disaster resilience plans and other local 
plans to ensure their consistency with the Climate-Disaster Resilience 
Framework and Plan; and 
 
13.​Ensure that all disaster risk reduction programs, projects, and activities 
requiring regional and international support shall be in accordance 
with duly established national policies and aligned with international 
agreements that the State is a party to.  
 
 ​
Resilience, Framework and Plan 
Ensure that all disaster risk reduction programs, projects, and activities 
requiring regional and international support shall be in accordance 
with duly established national policies and aligned with international 
agreements that the State is a party to, 
 
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 local government units; 
 
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 Forces of the Philippines 
Reservist Act”,  
to assist in relief and rescue operations during 
disasters; 
21 


 
6.​ Work with the private sector and civil society organizations for 
assistance with regard to the use of facilities and resources for the 
protection and preservation of life and property; 
 
7.​ Deploy rapid assessment teams composed of government personnel 
and non-government stakeholders, gather information, and, guided by 
the principle of inter-operability, coordinate information-sharing and 
other disaster risk reduction and management protocols among 
national and local government agencies before, during and after a 
disaster; 
 
8.​ Establish a National Disaster Resilience Research and Training Center 
that shall provide a ladderized training program on disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction and management for ​  DRRM and CCAM 
professionals and other stakeholders in the public and private sector. It 
shall assist local government units in cascading national and regional 
training programs locally and conduct research programs to upgrade 
knowledge and skills and document best practices thereon. It shall 
ensure/oversee the mainstreaming of DRR training in academic 
institutions in coordination with DepEd/CHED. The Research and 
Training Center shall accredit disaster resilience trainers or instructors, 
practitioners and institutions; 
 
9.​ Monitor and support local government units in the management of 
evacuation 
centers 
and 
ensure 
the 
welfare 
and 
dignity 
of 
internally-displaced persons; 
 
10.​Procure goods and services during emergencies, in accordance with 
existing emergency procurement rules and regulations; 
 
11.​Issue special procurement and auditing rules for preparedness, 
response and recovery activities including those prompted by a 
declaration of state of calamity and a state of imminent disaster; and 
 
12.​Assist in mobilizing the necessary resources to increase the overall 
capacity of local government units, specifically those with low income 
and situated in high-risk areas. 
 
Rehabilitation and Recovery 
1.​ Prepare, organize, lead, implement, and manage post-disaster 
assessment and recovery and rehabilitation programs, in coordination 
22 


 
with the affected local government units, 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 Building Forward Better is applied to 
rehabilitation and recovery efforts. 
 
Other Powers and Functions 
1.​ Establish the DDR Council Secretariat and an operating facility to be 
known as the National Disaster Resilience Council Secretariat and 
Operations Center (NDRCSOC) under the operational control of the 
Secretary and functional supervision of the Operations Service that 
shall be operated and staffed on a twenty-four (24) hour basis; 
 
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 local government units before, during, and after a 
disaster. Administer, oversee, and monitor the utilization of 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, report and monitor and oversee the 
utilization of the National Disaster Resilience Fund, recovery and 
rehabilitation funds, and donations for disaster risk and reduction and 
management, unless otherwise specified and subsequently subject to 
the regular accounting and auditing procedures or COA rules and 
regulations; 
 
23 


 
5.​ Formulate and recommend the necessary guidelines and procedures on 
NDRRM Fund and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management 
Fund (LDRRM Fund) releases, as well as utilization, accounting and 
auditing thereof in consultation with DOF, DBM, and COA. 
 
6.​ 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 University 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. 
 
7.​ 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 local government units, local 
communities and other stakeholders, and is able to provide readily 
accessible and actionable information for purposes of risk governance 
and humanitarian action; 
 
8.​ Develop the criteria and procedure for the enlistment of accredited 
community disaster resilience volunteers (ACDRVs), and organize, 
train, equip and supervise emergency response teams and ACVs, 
ensuring that humanitarian workers have been given proper training 
and are equipped with basic skills, including the management of the 
differentiated needs of vulnerable and  marginalized groups child 
protection, gender-sensitive case management and handling cases of 
gender-based violence in times of disasters. It shall include a manual of 
operations for the volunteers which shall be developed by the 
Department in consultation with various stakeholders; 
 
9.​ Create and continuously update, in consultation with stakeholders, a 
manual of operations for accredited community disaster resilience 
volunteers and institutions. 
 
10.​Perform  such  other  functions  as  may  be  necessary  for effective 
operations and implementation of this Act. 
  
24 


 
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 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 lives and/or damage to property. 
 
SEC. 7. Emergency Measures at the National Level. —The Department may 
require the assistance of law enforcement agencies and 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.​ Local government units shall enact an ordinance on and implement 
through the LDRO the necessary and appropriate 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 lives and/or 
damage to property. 
 
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.  
1.​ Preemptive evacuation shall be the preferred and primary mode of 
evacuation of people that will be affected by emergencies, hazards and 
disasters. 
25 


 
2.​ 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 in accordance with a 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 said emergency measure.  
 
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 
own safety. 
 
SEC. 10. Release from Liability in Case of Refusal to Evacuate. 
1.​ 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. 
 
2.​ During 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 
inspection, 
visitorial 
and 
examining 
authority 
over 
government 
and 
non-governmental entities to ensure that all funds and assets allocated for disaster 
resilience are actually 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 over 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 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/or damage to 
property, subject to payment of just compensation in appropriate cases. 
26 


 
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 non-government and 
for the protection and preservation of life and/or property in anticipation of, during, 
and in the aftermath of emergencies, hazards and disasters. 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 for the purpose of ensuring 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 damage to property. 
 
 
CHAPTER IV  
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT 
 
SEC. 15. Office of the Department Secretary. – The Department shall be 
headed by a Secretary with the rank and emoluments of a Cabinet Secretary. The 
Secretary shall be appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the 
Commission on Appointments. 
 
All appointees shall be universally acknowledged and recognized experts in 
the field of disaster risk reduction and management and climate change and of 
proven honesty and integrity. 
 
SEC. 16. Powers and Functions of the Secretary. – The Secretary of the 
Department shall exercise the following powers and functions: 
a. ​ Establish policies and standards for the effective, efficient, and 
economical operation of the Department in accordance with the programs 
of the Government; 
 
b. ​ Exercise executive direction over the operations of the Department and 
administrative supervision over its attached agencies; 
 
27 


 
c.  ​Manage the financial and human resources of the Department; 
 
d. ​Appoint officers and employees of the Department, except presidential 
appointees, in accordance with civil service law, rules, and regulations; 
 
e. ​ Exercise disciplinary authority over officers and employees of the 
Department in accordance with law; 
 
f.  ​ Call upon any and all agencies and instrumentalities of the State as 
well as non government and civic organizations for assistance in terms of 
the use of their facilities and resources for the protection and preservation 
of life and properties in the whole range of disaster risk reduction and 
management and climate change adaptation. This Department includes 
the power to call on the reserve force as defined in Republic Act No. 7077 
to assist in relief and rescue during disasters or calamities; 
 
g. ​ Create regional and field offices and such other service units and 
divisions as may be necessary;  
 
h. ​ Advise the President on the promulgation of executive and 
administrative issuances and the formulation of regulatory and legislative 
proposals on matters pertaining to disaster resilience; 
 
i.   ​Serve as the Vice-Chairperson of the Climate Change Commission; 
 
j.   ​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; 
 
k. ​ Call upon the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine 
National Police to render assistance in disaster-affected areas; and 
 
l.   ​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 
28 


 
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 
Development 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; 
 
e.​ 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; 
 
f.​ 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 and all agencies and instrumentalities of the 
Government, as well as non-government and civic 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; 
 
g.​ The Operations Service shall be responsible for formulating, 
implementing and monitoring the operational plans of the Department 
29 


 
and ensuring its operational readiness, as well as the effective 
functional management of the Emergency Management Operations 
Center; 
 
h.​ 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; 
 
i.​ 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; 
 
j.​ 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; 
 
k.​ 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; 
 
l.​ 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 are all examples of 
disaster risk reduction; 
 
m.​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 climate-smart 
Philippines 
with 
healthy, 
safe, 
prosperous, 
and 
self-reliant 
communities; 
30 


 
n.​ The Rehabilitation and Recovery Management 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; 
 
o.​ 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; 
 
p.​ Divisions, units and offices as may be created by the Department and 
whose officers and employees shall be appointed in accordance with 
civil service law, rules, and regulations; 
 
q.​ 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; 
 
r.​ 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; 
 
s.​ Bureaus that are under the supervision and control of the Department; 
 
t.​ Seconded personnel from relevant agencies and detailed service from 
the uniformed services, as appropriate;  
 
u.​ 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 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 in a 
timely manner; and 
31 


 
v.​ Seconded personnel from relevant agencies and detailed service from 
the AFP, as appropriate. 
 
  
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 provisions of 
Section 3, paragraph (D) of Article 9, 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 the purpose of 
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 DDR grant 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 is hereby authorized in accordance with, 
Section 800, Chapter 1, Title 8, of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise 
known as the “Customs and Tariff Modernization Act”, 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 imports and donations under Section 11 (c) of Republic Act No. 
10863, otherwise known as the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act 
(CTMA)” shall be considered as importation or donation to the 
Department, subject to the approval of the Office of the President. 
 
 
 
32 


 
CHAPTER VI  
WHOLE OF GOVERNMENT AND WHOLE OF NATION APPROACH 
 
SEC. 20. National Disaster Resilience Council. – Thereby 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. 
1.​ The NDRC shall be chaired by the Secretary of Disaster Resilience and shall 
be composed of the following: 
a. ​ Secretary of Science and Technology; 
b. ​ Secretary of the Interior and Local Government; 
c.  ​Secretary of Social Welfare and Development: 
d. ​Secretary of National Defense; 
e. ​ Director-General of the National Economic and Development 
Authority; 
f.  ​ Secretary of Health; 
g. ​ Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources; 
h. ​ Secretary of Agriculture; 
i.   ​Secretary of Education; 
j.   ​Secretary of Energy; 
k. ​ Secretary of Finance; 
l.   ​Secretary of Trade and Industry; 
m.   Secretary of Transportation; 
n. ​ Secretary of Budget and Management; 
o. ​ Secretary of Public Works and Highways; 
p. ​Secretary of Foreign Affairs; 
q. ​ Secretary of Justice 
r.  ​ Secretary of Labor and Employment; 
s.  ​Secretary of Tourism; 
t.  ​ Secretary of Human Settlements and Urban Development 
u. ​Secretary of Information and Communications Technology; 
v. ​ Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; 
w.   Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education; 
x. ​ Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; 
y. ​ Chief of the Philippine National Police; 
z. ​ Head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office; 
aa.  Secretary-General of the Philippine National Red Cross; 
bb. Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights; 
cc.   Executive Director of the Council for Welfare of Children; 
dd.Lead Convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission; 
ee.  Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women; 
33 


 
ff.​ Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating 
Council; 
gg. Chairperson of the National Council for Disability Affairs; 
hh. Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Filipinos; 
ii. ​ Chairperson of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; 
jj.  ​Chairperson of the National Youth Commission; 
kk. President of the Government Service Insurance System; 
ll. ​ President of the Social Security System; 
mm.   ​
President of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; 
nn. President of the Home Development Mutual Fund; 
oo. President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines; 
pp. President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines; 
qq. President of the League of Cities of the Philippines; 
rr.   President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines; 
ss.   President of the Liga ng mga Barangays; 
tt.​ Maximum of six (6) representatives from the academia and other 
relevant research institutions; 
uu. Maximum of six (6) representatives from the Civil Society 
Organizations; and 
vv. Maximum of six (6) representatives from the private sector. 
 
3.​ Composition – The Council is 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; 
 
4.​ 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; and 
 
5.​ 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. 
 
SECTION 21. Monitoring, Reporting and Validation  
1.​ 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 
34 


 
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 AWFPs 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 implementation of such 
measures. 
 
2.​ Validation. The Secretary shall require the submission of reports from 
LGUs to validate the progress reports of the Council member-agencies. 
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, 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. 
 
a.​ The Regional Disaster Resilience Councils (RDRC) – The 
Regional Disaster Resilience Councils (RDRCs) 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). 
35 


 
The RDRCs shall establish the RDRC Secretariat and operating 
facility to be known as the Regional Disaster Resilience Council 
Secretariat and Operations Center (RDRC). The RDRCs shall be 
composed of concerned regional agencies, offices, LGUs and 
other multiple stakeholders. 
  
b.​ 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, as amended, otherwise known as the 
“Local Government Code of 1991, as amended. The enforcement 
of Sections 325(a) and 331(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. 
i. Establish linkage or network with other LGUs for 
disaster risk and vulnerability reduction, climate change 
adaptation and emergency response purposes; 
ii. Recommend through the LDRC, the enactment of local 
ordinances consistent with the requirements of this Act; 
iii. Establish a Provincial City, Municipal, and Barangay 
Climate and Disaster Resilience Operations Center; and 
iv. 
Encourage 
Government-Owned 
and Controlled 
Corporations OCCs to establish their own 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, in relation to disaster resilience programs and projects and the 
development and promotion of research, education, and training mechanisms with 
relevant 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. 
36 


 
SEC. 23. Establishment of a 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: 
1.​ Establishment and implementation of business continuity practices to ensure 
the continued delivery of products and services, in the event of disasters. 
 
2.​ Establishment and implementation of a National Continuity Policy to ensure 
service continuity during power and utilities interruptions, emergencies, and 
disasters and ensure the quick return to full operations. 
 
3.​ Establishment, incorporation, and application of business continuity plans as 
part of the disaster resilience plans of local government units. 
 
4.​ Facilitation or assistance in obtaining or processing incentives for the private 
sector or other non-government stakeholders. 
 
5.​ Preparation and facilitating the issuance of micro, small, and medium 
enterprises (MSMEs), such as mechanisms involving procurement and 
liquidity to create enabling environments for disaster preparedness and 
recovery. 
 
The MSCU shall establish a platform that includes, among others, a database 
for monitoring and coordinating 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-sectorial, 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 
37 


 
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 be in conformity 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 RESEARCH EDUCATION, AND TRAINING 
INSTITUTE 
SEC. 26. Creation of the Climate and Disaster Research, Education, and 
Training Institute. – 
1.​ Within one (1) year from approval of this Act, the Department shall establish 
the Climate and Disaster 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 
38 


 
excellence for learning and research in the field of disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction and management and climate change adaptation; 
 
2.​ The Climate and Disaster 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 in 
accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations; 
 
3.​ The Climate and Disaster Research, Education, and Training Institute shall 
have the following functions: 
a.​ 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; 
 
b.​ Develop and implement an inclusive and ladderized curricula on 
climate change adaptation, and disaster risk and vulnerability 
reduction and management; 
 
c.​ Develop research programs and a knowledge management system on 
climate change adaptation and disaster risk and vulnerability 
reduction management for the purpose of  innovation and capacity  
building  and  development; 
 
d.​ 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; 
 
e.​ 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; 
 
f.​ Consolidate and prepare information, education and communication 
and training materials or publications to assist disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction and management, and climate change 
39 


 
adaptation practitioners in the planning and implementation of their 
plans, programs, projects and activities; 
 
g.​ Organize and recognize a community of climate change adaptation and 
disaster risk reduction and management practitioners; and 
 
h.​ Accredit, recognize, monitor and evaluate climate change adaptation, 
disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management training 
institutions. 
 
4.​ Financial Support to the Center: 
a.​ The budget for the Climate and Disaster Resilience Research and 
Training 
Center 
shall 
be sourced from the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
 
b.​ 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 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. 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. 
 
SECTION 28. Disaster Resilience and Climate Change Education and 
Training. – 
40 


 
1.​ 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 Interior and Local Government 
(DILG), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare 
and 
Development 
(DSWD), 
and 
other 
relevant 
agencies, 
developmental institutions, and non-government organizations shall 
integrate disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and climate change 
adaptation education in the school curricula at all levels of education, 
from K to12 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. 
 
2.​ The Civil Service Commission (CSC), Professional Regulatory 
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. 
 
3.​ In coordination with the Department and the Disaster Resilience 
Research 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. 
 
4.​ 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. 
 
5.​ The DepEd, the CHED, and the Technical Education and Skills 
Development 
Authority 
(TESDA) 
and 
other 
developmental 
institutions, 
community-based 
practitioners 
and 
organized 
non-governmental organizations shall formulate and institutionalize 
flexible learning options such as online modules, supplemental 
learning materials, resources and platforms, as part of its climate 
41 


 
change adaptation, disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and 
governance, analysis, and management strategy. 
 
6.​ The 
DepEd, 
CHED, 
TESDA, 
developmental 
institutions 
and 
community-based organizations shall regularly review, monitor, 
evaluate and report to the Council the status of integration, 
mainstreaming and implementation of climate change adaptation, 
disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management in 
public-private schools and other learning institutions. 
 
7.​ 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. 
 
8.​ 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. 
 
9.​ There shall be a mandatory training 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, 
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 Management.  
1.​ The DRC shall promote and advocate a culture of resilience and 
responsible-accountable, 
liable 
and 
responsible 
citizenship 
through 
information, education and communication that is appropriate, integrated, 
calibrated, inclusive, localized, science- and risk-based, gender, culture and 
disability sensitive and accessible using multimedia. Information, education, 
42 


 
and communication on climate change adaptation and disaster risk and 
vulnerability reduction management should be compelling but not alarming. 
 
2.​ 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 culture of resilience. It shall serve 
as a reference on continuous awareness raising and education at all levels of 
the government and multiple stakeholders. 
 
3.​ 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 in order to save lives and minimize damage to property, 
loss of livelihood and other 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 an 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 — 
1.​ 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. 
 
2.​ The Department shall ensure the mandatory insurance of all assets and 
properties 
of 
national 
government 
agencies 
including 
43 


 
government-owned or controlled corporations, and those over which 
the government has 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. 
 
3.​ The Department shall oblige the local government units 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. 
 
4.​ Recognition and Incentives. – Unless otherwise provided, the 
Department shall establish an incentives program that recognizes 
outstanding performance of LDRC, non-governmental organizations 
(NGOs), civil society organizations (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. – 
1.​ 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. 
 
2.​ LGUs shall identify safe or strategic sites, and establish evacuation 
centers with appropriate and adequate facilities in accordance with 
government-approved standards as provided under Republic Act No. 
10821, otherwise known as “The Children’s Emergency Relief 
Protection Act”, in order to avoid disruption of school 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, renovation or repairs of 
damaged facilities for such use. 
44 


 
 
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 
risk caused by natural and human-induced hazards and climate risk. 
The NDRC shall issue 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 local government units, community-based 
organizations, civil society organizations, and other non- governmental 
organizations. 
 
 ​
SEC. 36. Early Warning Mandate. – 
1.​ 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 apps, and social 
media to empower local communities and individuals. 
 
2.​ The Department shall enhance and strengthen Philippine Atmospheric, 
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and 
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) 
mandates under Republic Act No. 10692 and Executive Order No. 128 
s. 1987, respectively. 
 
3.​ 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 apps, and social 
media to empower local communities and individuals. 
 
4.​ Transmission of Early Warning. A person who transmits early warning 
concerning the above mentioned phenomena by means of signs in 
45 


 
designs, colors, lights, or sound shall do so in compliance with the 
methods recognized or approved by the NDRC. 
 
5.​ The NDRC at the national and subnational level shall consider the use 
of 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 casualty, to zero 
death. 
 
6.​ 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 level.  
 
 
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 pre-emptive 
evacuation and precautionary measures in order to save lives and minimize damage 
to property, loss of livelihoods, 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: 
1.​ The BDRC, if one barangay is affected; 
2.​ The city/municipal DRCs, if two (2) or more barangays are affected; 
3.​ The provincial DRC, if two (2) or more cities/municipalities are affected; 
4.​ The regional DRC, if two (2) or more provinces are affected; and 
5.​ The NDRC, if two (2) or more regions are affected 
 
46 


 
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: 
1. ​ Department of Finance-Bureau of Customs; 
2. ​ Department of Foreign Affairs; 
3. ​ Department of Social Welfare and Development; 
4. ​ Department of Health; 
5. ​ Food and Drug Administration; 
6. ​ Department of Agriculture; 
7. ​ Department of Energy; 
8. ​ Philippine National Police; 
9. ​ Philippine Coast Guard; and 
10.  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 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 in accordance with 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 local 
government unit shall submit a report to the Department, all domestic or 
47 


 
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.  
1.​ Immediately after the declaration of a state of calamity by the 
sanggunian of a local government unit 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, prior to the onset of an imminent 
disaster. 
 
2.​ 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.  
 
3.​ 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 for international humanitarian assistance upon the advice of 
the Department. Such a request may be specifically directed to particular assisting 
international actors, or it may be a general request directed to the international 
community. 
 
48 


 
SEC. 45. Humanitarian Assistance Action Center. — The Department shall 
institutionalize an inter-agency one-stop shop mechanism called through 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 
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. 
 
SECTION 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 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
49 


 
SECTION 50. Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications. – 
1.​ 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. 
2.​  
3.​ The Department shall establish the guidelines and scope for 
recognition of foreign professional qualifications for disaster response 
and early recovery. 
 
4.​ 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 Authority 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. 
 
A. 
ENTRY 
OF 
INTERNATIONAL 
DISASTER 
RELIEF 
GOODS 
AND 
EQUIPMENT 
 
SEC. 53. Customs Facilitation and Priority Treatment. – The Department 
shall facilitate the rapid importation of consignments 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. – In order 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 Part are exclusively for Disaster Relief or Initial Recovery 
Assistance and that they comply with any relevant standards under 
Philippine laws; and 
50 


 
b.​ Pack, classify and mark their consignments in accordance with the 
requirements described in this Act and its implementing rules and 
regulations. 
 
SEC. 55. Exemption from Import Duties, Taxes and Restrictions. – 
Consignments of goods and equipment by or on behalf of eligible assisting 
international actors shall benefit from: 
1. ​ Exemption from all duties and taxes; 
2. ​ Waiver of economic prohibitions and restrictions except for categories 
of special goods and equipment that may be indicated by the Department; 
and 
3. ​ 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. 
 
B. 
EXPEDITED 
ENTRY 
AND 
USE 
RESTRICTION 
FOR 
SPECIFIC 
INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF 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 on the basis of 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 fee. 
 
SEC. 58. Medications. – Eligible assisting international actors shall be 
permitted to import and transport medications and medical equipment for the 
purpose of 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 pursuant to 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. 
51 


 
C. PERMITTED DISPOSITION OF EQUIPMENT AND UNUSED GOODS. 
 
SEC 61. Disposition of Equipment and Unused Goods. – The DRC shall 
provide for the guidelines for 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 shall: 
1.​ Improve the community’s physical, social and economic resilience, consistent 
with the principle of “build forward better”; 
 
2.​ Use locally-driven and centrally-supported processes based on legal 
mandates with supplementary capacity support when requested; 
 
3.​ Redirect development outside danger zones to minimize loss of lives and 
structures resulting from typhoons, flooding, landslides, and other hazards; 
 
4.​ Employ outcome-driven planning and implementation; 
 
5.​ Maximize use of private-public sector partnership where possible; 
 
6.​ Consider local conditions such as culture, security situation, and existing 
capacities of communities in identifying programs and projects; 
 
7.​ Ensure access to public transport, physical and mental health services, 
markets, schools, sustainable livelihoods, and other public services in 
planning for settlement areas; and 
 
8.​ Ensure restoration of peace and order and recovery of government functions. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52 


 
CHAPTER XVII 
REMEDIAL MEASURES UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY 
 
SEC. 63. Remedial Measures under State of Calamity. – Upon the declaration 
of the state of calamity, the following remedial measures shall be immediately 
undertaken by concerned government agencies both of national and local levels: 
1.​ Imposition of price ceiling on basic 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; 
 
2.​ Monitoring, prevention and control by the Local Price Coordination Council 
of overpricing/profiteering and hoarding of prime commodities, medicines 
and petroleum products; 
 
3.​ 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 further threat to lives and arrest further deterioration of 
properties and loss of livelihoods in  the  affected communities, following the 
“build better forward” principle: 
a.​ Grant of no-interest loans by government financing or lending 
institutions to the most vulnerable and marginalized groups or 
individuals; and 
b.​ tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs under such terms and conditions 
as may be deemed necessary by the affected local government unit. 
 
 
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 9184 otherwise 
known as “Government Procurement Reform Act”, as amended. 
 
SECTION 65. Emergency Procurement. – In order 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 site shall be 
allowed. Periods of action on procurement activities may also be waived for the 
same purpose and conditions. 
 
 
53 


 
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 other criminal, civil and 
administrative liabilities under existing laws. 
 
1.​ Prohibited Acts Of Public Officials – The following acts, if committed by 
public officials without justifiable cause, shall be considered as gross neglect 
of duty: 
a.​ Dereliction of duties which leads to destruction, loss of lives, critical 
damage of facilities and misuse of funds; 
 
b.​ Failure to create a functional LDR Office within six (6) months from 
approval of this Act; 
c.​ Failure to appoint a permanent local disaster resilience officer within 
six (6) months from approval of this Act; 
 
d.​ Failure to prepare and implement a Contingency and Adaptation Plan 
for hazards frequently occurring within their jurisdictions; 
 
e.​ Failure to formulate and implement the LDRP with the corresponding 
budget allocation; 
 
f.​ 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. 
 
2.​ Prohibited Acts of Public Officials and Private Persons or Institutions  
a.​ Delaying, without justifiable cause in the delivery or improper 
handling or storage of aid commodities, resulting to damage or 
spoilage; 
 
b.​ 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; 
 
c.​ Preventing 
the 
entry 
and 
distribution 
of 
relief 
goods 
in 
disaster-stricken areas, including appropriate technology, tools, 
equipment, accessories, disaster teams or experts; 
54 


 
d.​ Buying, for consumption or resale, from disaster relief agencies any 
relief goods, equipment or other and commodities which are intended 
for distribution to disaster affected communities; 
 
e.​ Buying, for consumption or resale, from disaster affected persons, relief 
goods, equipment or other aid commodities received by them; 
 
f.​ Selling of relief goods, equipment, or other aid commodities which are 
intended for distribution to disaster victims; 
 
g.​ Forcibly seizing relief goods, equipment, or other aid commodities 
intended for or consigned to a specific group of victims or relief 
agency; 
 
h.​ Diverting or misdelivery of relief goods, equipment, or other aid 
commodities to persons other than the rightful recipient or consignee; 
 
i.​ Accepting, possessing, using or disposing relief goods, equipment  or  
other aid commodities not intended for nor consigned to them; 
 
j.​ Misrepresenting the source of relief goods, equipment, or other aid 
commodities by: 
i.​ Repacking the goods, equipment, or other aid commodities into 
containers with different markings to make it appear that the 
goods came from another agency or persons or was released 
upon the instance of a particular agency or persons; and 
 
ii.​ Making a false verbal claim that the goods, equipment or other 
commodities in their untampered original containers actually 
came from another agency or persons or was released upon the 
instance of a particular agency or persons. 
 
k.​ Substituting or replacing relief goods, equipment, or other aid 
commodities with the same items or of inferior/cheaper quality; 
 
l.​ Illegal solicitations by  persons  or  organizations  representing  others  
as defined in the standards and guidelines set by the NDRC; 
 
m.​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; 
 
55 


 
n.​ Stealing, taking, or possessing of any of the equipment, accessories and 
other vital facility or items or any part thereof; 
 
o.​ Selling or buying stolen equipment, accessories, and other vital facility 
items or any part thereof; 
 
p.​ Tampering 
with 
or stealing hazard monitoring and disaster 
preparedness equipment and paraphernalia. 
 
q.​ Attempting to commit any of the abovementioned prohibited acts; and 
 
r.​ 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. 
 
s.​ Over pricing, profiteering and hoarding of prime commodities, 
medicines and petroleum products as defined in section 5 of RA 7581. 
 
t.​ Unnecessary increase of price on basic commodities during disaster 
subject to rules and regulations of DTI, LPCC, and other related 
agencies. 
 
u.​ Dissemination of false information that caused panic, injury, and death. 
 
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 
(Php1,000,000.00) but not more than Three million pesos (Php3,000,000.00), 
or both imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court shall be 
imposed upon any person found guilty of violating subsections (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 
(Php500,000.00) but not more than One million pesos (Php1,000,000.00), or 
both imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the court, shall be imposed 
56 


 
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 
(Php200,000.00) but not more than Five hundred thousand pesos 
(Php500,000.00), or both imprisonment and fine at the discretion of the 
court, shall be imposed upon any person found guilty of unlawfully 
benefiting from the proceeds or fruits of any of the prohibited in the 
preceding section, in violation of subsection (b)(18) thereof; 
 
d.     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 in the preceding section; 
 
e.     If the offender is a corporation, partnership or association, or other 
juridical entity, the penalty shall be imposed upon the officer or officers of 
the corporation, partnership, association or entity responsible for the 
violation without prejudice to the cancellation or revocation of these 
entities’ registration, license or accreditation issued to them by any 
licensing or accredited body of the government. If such offender is an 
alien, 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 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 “Revised Penal Code”, and 
other existing laws, as well as the imposition of applicable administrative 
or civil liabilities. 
 
 
 
 
 
57 


 
CHAPTER XX 
APPROPRIATIONS 
 
SEC. 68. Appropriations. – 
1.​ The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Act shall be 
taken from the current fiscal year’s unexpended appropriation of all 
agencies herein absorbed, transferred, and attached to the Department. 
Thereafter, the amount needed for the operation and maintenance of 
the Department shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. 
 
2.​ 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. 
 
3.​ Local Disaster Resilience Fund (LDRF). Not 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. 
 
4.​ Of the amount appropriated for LDRF, twenty percent (20%) shall be 
allocated as Quick Response Fund (QRF) or stand-by fund for 
prepositioning of goods and relief and early recovery programs in 
order 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. 
 
5.​ Of the annual appropriation of LDRF, eighty percent (80%) shall be 
appropriated for climate change adaptation, disaster risk and 
vulnerability 
reduction, 
prevention, 
adaptation and mitigation 
programs, project ands, activities focusing on both institutional 
capacity building of vulnerable communities and risk-reducing 
infrastructure. The NDRC shall pass a resolution to set the priority 
58 


 
allocations 
and 
govern 
and 
trigger 
the 
acceleration 
and 
implementation of this section. 
 
6.​ Of the amount appropriated for the Disaster Resilience Fund, twenty 
percent (20%) shall be allocated as Quick Response Fund (QRF) or 
stand-by fund for prepositioning of goods and equipment and relief 
and early recovery programs in order that situation and living 
conditions of people in communities or areas stricken by disasters, 
epidemics, or complex emergencies, may be normalized as quickly as 
possible. 
 
7.​ All departments/agencies and LGUs that are allocated with Local 
Disaster Resilience Fund shall submit to the Department their monthly 
statements on the utilization of Local Disaster Resilience Funds and 
make an accounting thereof in accordance with existing accounting 
and auditing rules. 
 
8.​ 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 in accordance with the 
Disaster Resilience Plan and the guidelines to be issued by the DRC in 
coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) 
and Commission on Audit (COA). Unexpended LDRF shall accrue to a 
trust fund solely for the purpose of supporting 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 back 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. 
 
9.​ Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness Fund for third (3rd) to sixth 
(6th) class provinces and municipalities. There shall be in the annual 
General Appropriations Act an amount allotted solely for the use of 
3rd to 6th class provinces and municipalities for the purpose of 
augmenting their LDRF with respect to 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 rules and regulations to be promulgated by the 
Secretary. 
59 


 
CHAPTER XXI 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 69. Transfer and Attachment. — 
1.​ 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 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. 
 
2.​ 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. 
 
3.​ The existing organizational and administrative systems and processes 
of the transferred OCD shall serve as the core organization of the 
Department. 
 
4.​ The Climate Change Office of the Climate Change Commission 
continues its functions under Republic Act No. 10174 under the 
Department. 
 
5.​ The following agencies are hereby attached to the Department: 
a.​ Philippine 
Atmospheric, 
Geophysical 
and 
Astronomical 
Services Administration (PAGASA); and 
b.​ Philippine 
Institute 
of 
Volcanology 
and 
Seismology 
(PHIVOLCS). 
 
6.​ 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. 
 
7.​ The Department shall, by virtue of 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 
60 


 
in accordance with 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 in accordance with 
Republic Act No. 6656, otherwise known as “Government Reorganization Law” 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, Local Government Units and its attached units shall be covered by Republic 
Act No. 8439, known as the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and 
Other Science and Technology Personnel in the Government, and Republic Act No. 
7005, otherwise known as “Magna Carta for 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 effectiveness 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 by the Congressional Oversight Committee 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. 
61 


 
        ​ 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. –  
1.​ Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster 
Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, is hereby repealed. 
2.​ The 
following 
provisions 
are 
hereby amended or modified, 
accordingly: 
a.​ Section 30 of Executive Order No. 128, Series of 1987, otherwise 
known as the Reorganization Act of the National Science and 
Technology Authority; 
b.​ Section 6 of Republic Act 6975, otherwise known as the 
Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990; 
c.​ Section 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; 
d.​ Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10639, otherwise known as the 
Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act; and 
e.​ Section 5 of Republic Act No. 10692, otherwise known as the 
PAGASA Modernization Act of 2016. 
3.​ 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, 
 
62