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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.3694

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE JONATHAN KEITH T. FLORES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Philippines is globally recognized as one of the most disaster-prone countries, ranking
first in the 2022 World Risk Index with an overall risk score of 46.8%, driven by high exposure to
multiple natural hazards and vulnerabilities in socio-economic systems’. Situated along the Pacific
Ring of Fire and in the path of the West Pacific typhoon belt, the country experiences an annual
average of 20 tropical cyclones, several of which cause catastrophic flooding, landslides, storm
surges, and extensive infrastructure damage. It is also subject to frequent earthquakes and voleanic
eruptions, in addition to slow-onset hazards such as droughts and sea-level rise. These recurring
disasters inflict enormous human and economic costs, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Council (NDRRMC) recording damages amounting to billions of pesos annually,
as well as long-term disruptions to livelihoods, education, and public services.

The enactment of Republic Act No. 10121, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Act of 2010, marked a paradigm shift from reactive emergency response to proactive
disaster risk reduction and community-based resilience. However, despite notable progress in local
DRRM planning and early warning dissemination, significant institutional challenges persist,
particularly the fragmentation of functions across various government bodies—such as the Office
of Civil Defense (OCD), the NDRRMC Secretariat, sectoral agencies, and local government units—
resulting in overlapping mandates, uneven capacities, and delayed decision-making during large-
scale or cascading events.

The intensifying effects of climate change further magnify these challenges, with scientific
projections indicating stronger typhoons, more frequent extreme rainfall events, prolonged
droughts, and rising sea levels threatening coastal communities. These compounding hazards
underscore the urgent need for a centralized, science-based, and fully empowered institution to lead
and coordinate national disaster resilience and climate adaptation efforts. The proposed creation of
a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) responds to this imperative by elevating DRRM to the
Cabinet level, consolidating key functions under a single authority, and ensuring a unified chain of
command for preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation. The DDR will formulate and

* World Risk Report 2022 https://weltrisikobericht.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/WorldRiskReport-
2022_Online.pdf
2 https://climate-laws.org/document/philippine-disaster-reduction-and-management-act-ra-10121_eda4?utm

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implement national resilience policies, integrate climate adaptation into development and
infrastructure planning, and oversee the establishment of a National Integrated Disaster Resilience
Information System (IDRIS) that harmonizes hazard maps, vulnerability assessments, loss and
damage data, and resource inventories into an interoperable platform to support timely and risk-
informed decision-making. It will also professionalize the disaster management workforce through
standardized training, accreditation, and research programs, ensuring sustained technical capacity
across all regions?.

Moreover, the DDR will be tasked with managing nationwide early warning systems, pre-
positioning strategic stockpiles of relief goods, mobilizing rapid-response teams, and leading post-
disaster needs assessments to guide risk-sensitive rehabilitation and reconstruction. The Department
will be empowered to coordinate closely with local government units, private sector actors, and civil
society organizations to foster whole-of-society engagement in resilience building. It will also serve
as the national focal point for accessing international climate and disaster financing, enabling the
country to secure additional resources for adaptation and recovery projects. While initial
appropriations will be required to establish the Department, the long-term economic benefits of
reduced disaster losses, more efficient resource use, and faster recovery are expected to outweigh
these start-up costs. By building upon and strengthening the principles enshrined in RA 10121, the
DDR will address institutional fragmentation, enhance operational readiness, and mainstream
disaster resilience in all levels of governance and development planning,

In view of the Philippines’ extreme vulnerability to both sudden-onset and slow-onset
hazards, and the increasing urgency posed by climate change, the immediate passage of this measure
is earnestly sought to safeguard lives, reduce economic losses, and secure a safer and more resilient
future for the nation.

JONATHAN KEIXH T. FLORES
Representflive, Second istrict, Bukidnon

> 2024 National Disaster Response Plan
https://ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/4125/National_Disaster_Response_Plan_NDRP_2024.pdf?utm_


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3694

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE JONATHAN KEITH T. FLORES

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 the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Article T
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Disaster Resilience Act”.
SEC. 2, Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to:

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Protect the lives and properties of its citizens by addressing and preventing the causes of
vulnerabilities to natural disasters;
Uphold the sacredness of human life by efficiently and effectively addressing humanitarian

and disasters, through the establishment of a focused,

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streamlined, independent, empowered, capacitated, specialized agency on disaster risk reduction
and management as well as emergency response, which is national in scope and civilian in
character. The people are the most important assets of the nation, and all disaster risk and
management efforts shall be responsive to the humanitarian needs of the people, the dignity and
value of the human person, and respect for property;

Promote a simple, strategic, systematic, continuous, comprehensive, inclusive, and integrated
approach to disaster risk reduction and management aimed at substantially reducing
vulnerabilities and the risk of disasters and other humanitarian emergencies, towards the
preservation of life and property, thereby ultimately preventing or deterring the loss of lives and
protecting the social, economic, historical and cultural heritage, and environmental assets of the
country;
Establish a permanent, institutionalized, cohesive, and comprehensive framework for disaster
preparedness, prevention and mitigation, and response, to be implemented by a focused
specialized agency with its own mandate, powers, and funding, and coordinating with the
Philippine government, other foreign governments and financial institutions, international
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organizations, the private sector, and civil society. Disaster risk reduction and management shall
first aim for the outright avoidance of the adverse impacts of hazards and related threats. With
the knowledge and capacities to effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from the impacts
of likely, imminent or current hazard events or conditions, preparedness action shall be carried
out in the most effective and efficient manner. In a disaster scenario, the response shall ensure
the provision of emergency services and public assistance, during or immediately after a
disaster;

Create an integrated, systematic, comprehensive, and cohesive plan to simplify, streamline,

integrate, and coordinate the various programs, projects, and activities of the Government and

such other actors or stakeholders in disaster risk reduction and management to ensure
accountability, responsibility, and transparency as well as to ensure the efficient and effective

performance of their functions;

Inculcate a culture of resilience and preparedness against natural disasters at the national,
regional, and local levels;

Establish a strong and empowered institution capable of responding to the greater onslaught of
normal or natural disasters brought by climate change, and spearhead efforts to ensure disaster
resilience by delivering the highly critical and intertwined functions of disaster risk reduction
and response, with a recovery and a strategy at “building forward better”;

‘Address the different concerns and needs of sectors with special needs or higher vulnerabilities
such as women, children, elderly, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples with respect
to disaster resilience and disaster management;

Foster an enabling environment for substantial and sustainable participation of non-government
stakeholders such as civil society organizations, private groups, volunteers, and communities in
disaster resilience programs and projects;

Adopt a whole-of-society, whole-of-government, and whole-of-nation approach in disaster
preparedness to increase collaboration, planning, and dialogue among all sectors of society in
preparing for natural disasters and in improving their strategies and action plans for disaster risk

reduction; and

Strengthen the chain of command and establish a unified command system for disaster

‘management.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. ~ As used in this Act:

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Adaptation refers o 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;
Assisting actor refers to any assisting international or domestic actor following a disaster in the
country;

Assisting domestic actor refers to any not-for-profit entity established under domestic laws,
which is extending help following a disaster in the country;

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extending help following a disaster within the country or transiting through the country to extend

isting international actor refers to any foreign State, organization, entity or individual

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12 a disaster in another country;

Biological hazards refer to hazards that are of organic origin or conveyed by biological vectors,

including pathogenic microorganisms, toxins, and bioactive substances. Examples are bacteria,


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viruses or parasites as well as venomous wildlife and insects, poisonous plants and mosquitoes
agents;
Building forward better refers to an approach to bui

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community, which entails a shift from achieving simple recovery and restoration to creating

safer, more adaptive, resilient, and inclusive communities;
Business continuity refers to the capability of an organization to continue the delivery of
products or services at acceptable predefined levels following a disruptive incident,

Capacity refers to the combination of attributes and resources available within a community or
area that can reduce the level of risk(s) from, or impact(s) of, a disaster;

Civil society organizations (CSOs) refer to non-State actors whose aims are neither to generate
profits nor to seek governing power, but to unite people to advance shared goals and interests.

CSOs may include nongovernment organizations (NGOs), professional associations,

foundations, independent research institutions, community-based organizations, and social

movements;

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 internal processes or extemal forces such as
modulation of the solar cycles, volcanic eruptions and persistent anthropogenic changes in the
composition of the atmosphere or in land use;

Complex emergency refers to a form of human-induced emergency in which the cause of the
emergency as well as the assistance to the afflicted is complicated by an intense level of political
considerations;

Consequence management refers to the totality of interventions and measures taken to restore
essential operations and services in a permissive environment, including measures to protect
public health and safety, restore essential government services, and provide emergency relief to
individuals, stakeholders, and communities affected by the consequences of emergencies,
hazards, and disasters;

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;

Cultural heritage refers to the totality of cultural property preserved and developed through time

and passed on to posterit

Deterministic risk assessment refers to an assessment that considers the possible disaster impacts
of a single scenario, in contrast to probabilistic risk assessment which considers all possible
scenarios, their likelihood, and associated impacts;

Development assistance refers to financial, material or other forms of assistance to support the
economic, social and environmental well-being of areas or people affected by a natural disaster;
Disability refers to an evolving concept that results from the interaction between persons with
impairments, as defined under Republic Act No. 7277 otherwise known as the “Magna Carta
for Disabled Persons” and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their full and

effective participation in society on an equal basis with others;


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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 to cope using its own resources.

Disaster assistance refers to financial, material, or other forms of assistance to address the
immediate and long-term needs of people, communities or areas affected by a disaster. This term
includes humanitarian assistance and development assistance;

Disaster management refers to the planning, organization, and application of measures
preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters;

Disaster mitigation refers to the reduction or limitation of the adverse impacts of disasters and
its related hazards;

Disaster preparedness refers to the knowledge and capacities developed by governments,
professional response and recovery organizations, communities and individuals to effectively
anticipate, respond to, and recover from, the impacts of likely, imminent or current disasters and
related hazards;

Disaster prevention refers to the intention to avoid, or the outright avoidance, of potential
adverse impacts of disasters and related hazards through action(s) taken in advance;

Disaster recovery refers to restoration or improvement 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 forward better” to avoid or reduce future disaster risk;

Disaster response or disaster relief 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 is predominantly focused on immediate and short-term needs and is
sometimes called “disaster relief”;

Disaster rehabilitation refers to restoration of basic services and facilities for the function of a
community or a society affected by a disaster;

Disaster resilience refers to 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,
including the long-term impact of climate change, in a timely and efficient manner, including
through the preservation and restoration of its essential basic structures and functions through
risk management;

Disaster risk refers to the potential losses in lives, health status, livelihoods, assets and services
that may occur to a particular community or society due to a disaster in the future, and is
determined by a combination of the vulnerability, capacity, exposure of persons and assets,
hazard characteristics and the environment;

Disaster risk governance refers to the manner in which 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 includes 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;


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Disaster risk management refers to the systematic approach or process of implementing
strategies, policies and programs to lessen the possibility or adverse impacts of hazards and
related threats;

Disaster risk reduction refers to the prevention of new, or reduction of existing, disaster risks
and the management of residual risk, to enhance resilience to disasters;

Early warning system refers to an integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting and

prediction, disaster risk assessment, and communication and preparedness activities and
processes that enable individuals, communities, national government agencies, local
government units, the private sector, and others to take timely action to reduce disaster risks and
adequately prepare for disasters;\

Emergency refers to unforeseen or sudden occurrence, especially danger, demanding immediate
action;

Emergency management refers to the organization and management of resources and
responsibilities for addressing all aspects of emergencies, in particular, preparedness, response
and initial recovery steps:\

Environmental hazards refer to hazards which may be chemical, natural and biological, and can
be created by environmental degradation or physical or chemical pollution in the air water and
soil. However, many of the processes and phenomena that fall into this category may be termed
drivers of hazard and risk rather than hazards in themselves, such as soil degradation,

deforestation, loss of biodiversity, salinization and sea-level rise;
Exposure refers to the situation of people, infrastructure, housing, production capacities and

other tangible human assets located in hazard-prone areas;

Framework Agreement shall refer to a written agreement between a procuring entity and a

supplier or service provider that identifies the terms and conditions under which specific

purchases are made for the dur
‘The Framework Agreement is in the nature of an option contract between the procuring entity
and the bidder (s) granting the procuring entity the option to either place an order for any of

n of the agreement.

the goods or services identified in the Framework Agreement List or not buy at all, within the
period of the Framework Agreement;

Geological or geophysical hazards refer to hazards which originate from internal earth
processes, such as earthquakes, volcanic activities and emissions, and related geophysical
processes which include mass movements, landslides, rockslides, surface collapses and debris
‘or mud flows. Hydrometeorological factors are important contributors to some of these
processes. While tsunamis are triggered by undersea earthquakes and other geological events,
they essentially become an oceanic process that is manifested as a coastal water-related
hazards;

(mm) Geographic information system refers to a database which contains, among others, geo-hazard

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assessments, information on climate change, and climate risk reduction and management;
Geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) refers to an area wit
population, which is physically and socio-economically separated from the mainstream
society and characterized by physical factor such as isolated due to distance, weather
conditions and transportation difficulties due to island, upland lowland, landlocked, hard to

reach and underserved communities; and/or socio-economic factors such as high poverty
6

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incidence, presence of vulnerable sector, communities in or recovering from a situation of
crisis or armed conflict;

Hazard refers to a phenomenon, substance, human activity, or condition that may cause loss
of life, injury or impacts to health; and social and economic disruption, environmental damage,
or loss of or disruption to property, livelihood and/or services;

Historical landmarks refer to sites or structures that are associated with events or achievements
significant to Philippine history as declared by the National Historical Institute or the
applicable agency;

Human-induced disasters refer to disasters induced entirely or predominantly by human

activi

ss or choices, such as ideologically motivated conflict or crimi

Humanitarian assistance refers to financial, material or other similar forms of assistance to
address the immediate needs of people affected by a natural disaster;

Hydrometeorological hazards refer to hazards that are of atmospheric, hydrological and
‘oceanographic origin, such as tropical cyclones also known as typhoons and hurricanes;

floods, including flash floods, drought; heatwaves and cold spells, coastal storm surges, and

marine heatwaves, extreme sea events, and sea level rise. Hydrometeorological conditions
may also be a factor in other hazards such as landslides, wildland fires, locust plagues,
epidemics, and in the transport and dispersal of toxic substances and volcanic eruption
material;

Incident Command System (ICS) refers to a standardized, on-scene, all-hazard incident
‘management concept; allows its users to adopt an integrated organizational structure to match
the complexities and demands of single or multiple incidents without being hindered by
jurisdictional boundaries, The ICS is non-permanent organization and is activated only in
response to disasters or emergencies.

Impact and needs assessment refers to assessing the nature and magnitude of a disaster, its
impact on affected populations, the type and extent of emergency, and the requirements for
recovery and rehabilitation of the affected areas;

Land-use planning refers to the process undertaken by public authorities to identify, evaluate,
and decide on different options for the use of land, including consideration of long-term
economic, 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;

(ww) Legal facilities refer to entitlements and exemptions that are granted to assisting domestic or

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international actors which are declared to be eligible pursuant to this Act and its implementing
rules and regulations;

Local Disaster Resilience Plan (LDRP) refers to a document prepared by a local government
unit (LGU) based on the National Disaster Resilience Framework (NDRF) and National
Disaster Resilience Plan and Investment Program (NDRPIP) that sets out specific programs,
objectives and goals to implement disaster risk management and climate change adaptation

measures at the local level. The plan shall include among others, an evaluation and analysis of

emerging disaster risks, hazards and vulnerabilities applicable to an LGU, and specific
programs and activities to ensure responsive, effective, and the appropriate disaster

preparedness and management at the local level;


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National continuity policy refers to a policy aimed at the development of an organizational
to provide a minimum level of service during. interruptions,
and disasters, and return to full operations quickly;

National cultural treasure refers to a unique cultural property found locally, possessing
outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value which is highly significant and
important to the country and nation, and officially declared as such by the pertinent cultural
agency;

National Disaster Resilience Framework (NDRE) refers to a framework that provides for a
comprehensive, all-hazards, multi-sectoral, inter-agency and community-based approach to

enable communities to resist, prevent, mitigate against, absorb, accommodate, adapt to,
recover, or build forward better from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner
through, among others, disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation
and mitigation. The NDRF shall be composed of a National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Framework (NDRRMF), and National Framework Strategy on Climate Change
(NFSCC);

(bbb) National Disaster Resilience Plan and Investment Program (NDRPIP) refers to a plan

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formulated and implemented by the Department of Disaster Resilience in accordance with the
NDRF that sets out the outcomes, goals and objectives, priorities, programs and corresponding
action plans for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and management, and climate change
mitigation. It shall also include, among others, the goals, objectives and action plans for a
National Continuity Policy;

Natural Hazard refers to a hazard predominantly associated with and/or caused by natural
processes or phenomena, such as those related to geology such as earthquakes, ground rupture,
liquefaction, landslides, tsunamis, sinkholes (Karst subsidence), volcanic activity; hydrology
and meteorology such as floods, severe winds, typhoons, storm surges, climatological
variability such as extreme temperatures, El Nifio, La Nifia, and forest fires; biological events
such as epidemic or pandemic caused by outbreaks of viral, bacterial, parasitic, fungal or prion
infectious diseases affecting human, animal or plant life, insect infestations or swarms; and

extraterrestrial events such as meteorite or asteroid strikes;

(ddd) Open data refer to facts and statistics that can be freely used, shared and built-on by anyone,

(eee)

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anywhere, for any purpose, which must be available in bulk, free of charge, or at least at no
more than a reasonable cost and permit people to use, re-use, and redistribute, intermix with
other data providers;

Post-Disaster recovery refers to the restoration improvement where appropriate, of facilities,
livelihood and living conditions, of disaster-affected communities, including efforts to reduce
disaster risk factors, in accordance with the principle of “build forward better”;
Preparedness refers to pre-disaster actions and measures being undertaken within the context
of disaster risk reduction and management and are based on sound risk analysis as well as pre-

disaster activities to avert or minimize loss of life and property such as community organizing,

training, planning, equipping, stockpiling, hazard mapping, insuring of assets, and pul
information and education initiatives. This also includes the development or enhancement of
an overall preparedness strategy, policy, institutional structure, warming and forecasting

ies, and plans that define measures geared to help at-risk communities safeguard their

8


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lives and assets by being alert to hazards and taking appropriate action in the face of an
imminent threat or an actual disaster,

Prevention refers to activities and measures to avoid existing and new disaster risks, and the
concept and intention to avoid potential adverse impacts of hazardous events;

Probabilistic risk assessment refers to the simulation of those future disasters based on
scientific evidence, and which are likely to occur in order to resolve the problem posed by the
limits of historical data by reproducing the physics of the phenomena and recreating the

intensity of a large number of synthetic events, including all possible scenarios, th
likelihood, and associated impacts;

Public Sector Officials/Employees refer to al person in the civil service;

Rehabilitation refers to measures that ensure the ability of affected communities or areas to
restore their normal level of functioning by rebuilding livelihood and infrastructures and
increasing the communities’ organizational capacity;

Resilience refers to the ability of a system, community or society exposed to hazards to resist,
absorb, accommodate, and recover from the effects thereof in a timely and efficient manner,
including through the preservation and restoration of its essential basic structures and
functions in a manner that will make them more resistant to future risks;

Response refers to any concerted effort by two (2) or more agencies, public or private, to

provide assistance or intervention during or immediately after a disaster to meet the life
preservation and basic subsistence needs of those people affected and in the restoration of

essential public activities and facilities;

(mmm) Retrofitting refers to an act reinforcing or upgrading existing structures to make them more

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resistant and resilient to the damaging effects of hazards;
Risk refers to the combination of the probability of an event and its negative consequences;

Risk assessment refers to a methodology to determine the nature and extent of risks 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. Risk assessment with associated risk mapping include: a review of the
technical characteristics of hazards such as their location, intensity, frequency and probability;

the analysis of exposure and vulnerability including the physical, social, health, economic, and
environmental dimensions; and the evaluation of the effectiveness of prevailing and
alternative coping capacities in respect to likely risk scenarios;

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

benefits provided to that other party;

for ongoing or compensatory social or finan
Safety stock refers to items of raw materials, component parts, or finished goods maintained

in inventory in order to reduce the risk that such item will be out of stock, in anticipation of

unforeseen shortages or unusual demand for such items;
State of Calamity refers to a condition involving mass casualty, disruption of means of
livelihoods, or major damages to property, infrastructure, and the normal way of life of people

in the affected areas as a result of the occurrence of natural or human-induced hazard event;



(sss) Sustainable development refers to development that meets the needs of the present generation

without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. It contains within it
two (2) key concepts: first, the concept of “needs”, in particular, the essential needs of the
world’s poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and second, the idea of limitations
imposed by the state of technology and social cohesion and harmony, and ecological
integration of a sound and viable economy, responsible governance, and ecological integrity
to ensure that human development now and through future generations is a life enhancing
process;

(ttt) Volunteers refer to indi

juals, groups or entities that offer and provide services or assistance,
without compensation, to help people and areas affected by disasters;

(uuu) 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 such as poor design and
construction of buildings, inadequate protection of assets, lack of public information and
awareness, limited official recognition of risks and preparedness measures, and disregard for
wise environmental management;

(vw) Vulnerable and marginalized groups refer to those that face higher exposure to disaster risk
and poverty including women, children, the elderly, differently abled people, and ethnic
minorities;

(www) Whole of Society Approach refers to an approach that encourages the meaningful and active
participation and synergy of the different stakeholders of society toward climate change
adaptation and mitigation, and disaster risk reduction and management at the national and
local levels;

(xxx) Whole of Government Approach refers to an approach that instills and fosters collaboration

among all government instrumentalities both at the national and local levels toward shared

sustainable development goals and outcomes; and
(yyy) Whole of Nation Approach refers to an approach that seeks to bring about a concerted effort
towards sustainable development, and national peace and security by creating consensus and
understanding of development and security that is shared not just among core security forces
and oversight government institutions, but also by the nation’s stakeholders such as
government, civil society, private sector, and the communities.
Article U1
‘THE DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER RESILIENCE:
MANDATE, POWERS, AND FUNCTIONS
SEC. 4. Creation and Mandate 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
ters, recover and

managing the national effort to reduce disaster risk, prepare for and respond to
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,

10


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.

‘The Department shall be the principal government institution responsible for ensuring safe, adaptive,

and disaster resilient communities. It is mandated to provide a clear and comprehensive direction in the
implementation of plans, programs, and projects to reduce the risk of natural hazards and the effects of
climate change and manage the impact of disasters.
‘The mandate of the Department covers all natural hazards, which include, among others, the
following:
(a) Geological Phenomena and Related Hazards
1) Earthquake ~ ground rupture, ground shaking, liquefaction, tsunami, fire, landslides, and
seiche or lake water oscillation
2) Voleanic activity — ash fall, pyroclastic flow, lava flow, lahar, fissuring, and voleanic gas
3) Mass movement — landslides, debris flow, Karst subsidence-(sinkhole)
(6) Hydrological, Oceanographic and Meteorological Phenomena and Related Hazards
1) Tropical cyclone — severe winds, storm surge, rouge waves, severe rainfall including hail
2) Flood, rain-triggered landslides and storm surges
3) Erosion
4) Marine heatwaves, extreme sea events, and sea level
(©) Climate Variability/Change with Related Hazards of Compound Events and Cascading Impacts
1) EINiffo of La Nifia (ENSO) with associated rainfall and temperature (in particular, projected
extreme ENSOs)
2) Extreme temperature (heat wave or cold wave), extreme weather conditions (drought or

excessive rainfall)
3) Wildfire (forest or land fires)
4) Biological and Related Hazards
1) Epidemic or Pandemic viral, bacterial, parasitic, fungal, prion infectious diseases
2) Insect Infestation — grasshoppers/locusts

©) Extra-Terrestrial - Meteorite or Asteroid impact, or such other threats as may come from outer

space.

‘The Department shall manage and direct the implementation of national, local, and community-based
disaster resilience and disaster management programs, projects and activities, including disaster response,
recovery and rehabilitation, when applicable, in collaboration with relevant national government agencies,
LGUs, CSOs, academic institutions and other stakeholders, as applicable: Provided, That for human-induced
disasters, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of National Defense
(DND), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other relevant government
instrumentalities, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP),
Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Office of Civil Defense (OCD), shall
continue to perform their functions: Provide further, That the Department shall remain as the lead agency in
recovery and rehabilitation efforts in collaboration with all stakeholders when applicable.

cb


Notwithstanding, the mandates and powers stated herein shall be without prejudice to the President’s,

directive to address natural, human-induced, or other disasters such as an epidemic.

SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Department. - The Department shall exercise the following

powers and functions, in collaboration with the relevant departments, agencies, and non-government
stakeholders:

a)

General Functions

1) Conduct risk and vulnerability assessment at the local level based on the national criteria,
and establish a database that includes, among others, an inventory of hazards to better prepare
for and respond to natural disasters;

2) Undertake the establishment or construction of evacuation centers that conform to the

standards under the United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in
Humanitarian Response or The Sphere Minimum Standards for Shelter and Settlement, and
Republic Act No. 10821 otherwise known as the “Children’s Emergency Relief and
Protection Act”, among others. The upkeep and maintenance of the evacuation centers shall
be the responsibility of the concerned LGUs;

3) Develop, maintain and update an integrated disaster management and disaster resilience
information system that includes, among others, multi-hazard mapping, vulnerability and
probabilistic risk assessments, carly warning, exposure database, communication and
emergency management systems at the national, regional, and provincial levels;

4) Undertake the formulation and implementation of the government's policies, plans,

programs, projects, and budget for disaster resilience including those related to disaster risk

reduction, response, recovery, rehabilitation, and building forward better;

5) Review and build upon, to the extent necessary, the existing disaster resilience framework,
plans and strategies in the crafting of an NDRF and the corresponding NDRPIP;

6) Oversee, review, and approve the translation, integration, and implementation of the
NDRPIP into LDRPs;

7) Facilitate the availability of highly competent DRR professionals at all levels and prescribe
benefits, allowances, and similar emoluments for DRR professionals, as it may deem fit;

8) Communicate and disseminate critical information to help the public prepare for, respond to,
and recover from a disaster;

9) Receive, manage, and administer the funds, assets and properties received by the Department
to accomplish the purposes of this Act;

10) Recommend to the President of the Philippines the declaration of a state of calamity due to

a natural disaster, and the lifting thereof when conditions stabilize;
11) Ad

as approp'
12) Advance the country’s interests relating to disaster resilience in the regional and global

the President on matters conceming disaster resilience and make recommendations,

e;

arena;

13) Collaborate with any government entity to help ensure the attainment of the goals and
objectives of this Act; and

14) Perform such other functions, as provided by law or assignment of the President, and
undertake all other necessary actions to ensure the attainment of the overall goals and

objectives of this Act.
12


b)

Disaster Risk Reduction
1. Develop coordinated regional and local strategies for the effective prevention and mitigation
of disaster risk resulting from natural hazards, including the effects of climate change;

2. Develop and implement policies and programs relating to the construction of new settlements
or relocation of settlements in safe areas which shall, to the extent such policies and programs

relate to disaster risk reduction, mitigation, prevention or building forward better, prevail
‘over policies or decisions of other government departments, government agencies,
government owned and controlled corporations, LGUs, or other government institutions;

3. Develop, in coordination with relevant government agencies, policies and programs on land-

use planning, urban planning and zoning which shall, to the extent such policies and

programs relate to disaster risk reduction, mitigation, prevention or building forward better,

prevail over policies or decisions of other government departments, government age

government owned and controlled corporations, LGUs, or other government institutions;

4, Establish or enhance standards for disaster preparedness and continuity planning, such as on
infrastructure standards and designs;

5. Collaborate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other relevant
‘government agencies in the conduct of regular structural, safety audit of buildings and other

types of infrastructure, and require the submission of necessary data, information or reports
related thereto;

government governance and business continuity;

7. Ensure the use of advanced science and technology ipatory planning of

communities against the impact of natural hazards and climate change through consultation,
and employment with a regular department funding for relevant academic or higher
educational institutions with proven risk reduction record;

8. Establish a system to ensure that all disaster-related data are accessible to all stakeholders to
generate the best scientific information and technological products for use in disaster
resilience;

9. Ensure that all climate change-related hazards are included in the development of climate
risk profiles of targeted LGUs as provided for in the National Climate Risk and Management

jon (CCC) and that

Framework (NCRMF) policy document of the Climate Change Comm
the appropriate institutions such as the academe and other science experts or organizations
who have the capability to develop or have developed methodologies to establish climate
change risk profile are officially engaged;

10. Undertake programs and projects to reduce the vulnerability of physical infrastructure,

assets, and fa including retrofitting, and structural and non-structural upgrading, in
coordination with the relevant government agencies;

11. Call on relevant government agencies to develop alternative livelihood programs to reduce
the vulnerability to disasters of certain areas or certain sectors of society:

12. Formulate, facilitate and monitor efforts relating to certain resources or sectors toward
addressing the long-term effects of climate change on sustainable development, such as
water resources, agriculture, forestry, coastal and marine resources, health, and

infrastructure, in coordination with relevant government agencies;
123


°

13.

14.

18.

19.

Design and implement an incentive system for greater private and public investment, both
at the local and national levels, on disaster risk reduction;
Oversee and ensure the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation and disaster risk

reduction in development and land use planning, and the preparation of contingency plans;

. Create an enabling environment that shall promote broader multi-stakeholder participation

for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation;
Establis
‘government agencies, that consider climate projections, including temperature increase and

develop, and monitor programs and projects, in coordination with relevant

rainfall change in the Philippines to ensure climate-resilient communities;
Establish and monitor national and local capacity for disaster risk financing and insurance
and other risk transfer strategies in coordination with the Department of Finance (DOF),
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and
Insurance Commission;

Review and evaluate local disaster resilience plans and other local plans to ensure their
consistency with the National Disaster Resilience Framework; and

Undertake all other programs and projects necessary to attain the necessary outcomes for

disaster risk reduction.

Disaster Preparedness and Response

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

rn
8)

9)

10) Maintain a database of volunteers and, when necessary, mobi

Lead, manage, and collaborate with the relevant government instrumentalities, non-
government stakeholders, and international partners in providing the minimum basic needs
of people in affected areas before, during and/or immediately after a disaster to save lives
and minimize casualties;

Establish a corps of first responders in partnership with national and local stakeholders, both
public and private;

Implement projects and programs that will enhance the capacity of LGUs to prepare for and
respond to disasters, giving priority to LGUs with low income or those situated in high-risk
areas;

Ensure the efficient prepositioning of goods, maintenance and disposal of safety stocks;
‘Aceredit, monitor, and evaluate training institutions on disaster resilience;

Regulate the accreditation of donors, volunteers, and assisting non-government stakeholders,
both domestic and international;

Formulate standards for contingency planning that shall be adopted by the LGUs;

Develop a database of exposure or elements at risk per area to facilitate and ensure quick
impact and needs assessment in the event of a disaster;

Facilitate and regulate the acceptance, inventory, and accounting of humanitarian assistance,

including relief goods;

volunteers to augment the
personnel complement and logistical requirements for disaster response and for the delivery
of DRRM programs, projects and activities;

11) Oversee and maintain a national early-waring and emergency alert system that must

provide a specific, areas-focused and time-bound warning that are accurate, timely,
understandable and readily accessible to national and local emergency response
organizations and the general public;

4


4d)

12) Institutionalize the proper use of an Incident Command System (ICS) as a tool to organize
‘on-scene operations for a broad spectrum of disasters or emergencies from small to
complex incidents, both natural and human-induced;

13) Coordinate informati

-sharing and other disaster risk reduction protocols following the
principle of inter-operability among national government agencies and local government
units;

14) Call upon other instrumentalities or entities of the government and non-govemment 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. This function includes the power to call on the reserve force as,
defined in Republic Act No. 7077, otherwise known as “Citizen Armed Forces of the

Philippines Reservist Act” to assist in relief, rescue, retrieval and management of dead and

missing persons during disasters or calamities;

15) Organize, train, equip, and maintain a system of response capacity for search, rescue and
retrieval and the delivery and distribution of relief goods;

16) Recommend to the President to call upon the AFP and PNP to render the necessary
assistance in a disaster-affected area by the authority of the President;

17) Call upon, by authority of the President, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine
National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine Coast Guard, and other
uniformed services to the extent necessary for the Department to achieve the purposes of
this Act;

18) Establish a National Corps of Volunteers to be composed of, among others: Reserve
Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), National Service Training Program (NSTP), reservists,
and other socio-civie organizations;

19) Assist in mobilizing necessary resources to increase the overall capacity of local
‘government units, specifically those with low income and situated in high-risk areas; and

20) Undertake all other programs and projects necessary to attain the necessary outcomes for
disaster preparedness and response.

Recovery and Building Forward Better

1) Prepare, organize, lead, implement, and manage post-disaster assessment and recovery and
rehabilitation programs and plans, in coordination with the affected local governments units,
national government agencies, and other stakeholders;

2) Establish a system to promptly perform impact and needs assessment, including
strengthening the in-house capacity of the Department to conduct accurate and timely impact
and needs assessment;

3) Establish a system that utilizes templates, exposure database, and other tools, and develop
the Department's in-house capacity for the prompt and expedient preparation of
rehabilitation plans, when needed, for disaster affected areas;

15


4) Formulate or direct relevant government agencies and LGUs to issue guidelines for fast-
tracking the issuance of permits, certifications, clearances and licenses to implement disaster
recovery and rehabilitation measures, including housing projects, in affected areas;

5) Prepare and implement rehabilitation plans for disaster affected areas;

6) Manage and oversee the implementation of disaster recovery and rehabilitation measures;

7) Collaborate with relevant government agencies to establish programs to restore or generate
livelihood in disaster affected areas;

8) Formulate policies and standards for post-disaster shelter recovery which may include,

among others, implementation arrangements, coordination arrangements relevant

agencies and LGUs, and modalities for emergency transitional and permanent shelter
recovery;

ion or

9) Ensure that the principle of building forward better is applied to rehabili
reconstruction efforts; and

10) Undertake all other programs and projects necessary to attain the necessary outcomes for

recovery and safer, adaptive, resilient, and inclusive communities

Other Functions

1) Constitute, call, convene or deputize agencies of government, and invite non-government
and private organizations, to assist, advise, or coordinate with the Department to achieve the
purposes of this Act;

2) Inspect and examine the status of projects, programs, and activities undertaken by national

government agencies and local government units in furtherance of disaster resi

nce efforts;

3) Save lives and/or minimize damages to livelihood and property, complement and collaborate
with relevant government agencies and non-government stakeholders in providing
humanitarian response and the consequence management of human-induced disasters
whenever it becomes necessary;

4) Negotiate, enter into, institutionalize, and coordinate arrangements with any private person
or entity for the purpose of ensuring the adequate and prompt availability of goods and
services necessary in anticipation of, during, and in the aftermath of disasters;

'5) Promulgate rules and regulations for the receipt, management, and accounting of donations
that are consistent with the rules of the Commission on Audit (COA) on the use of foreign
and local aid during calamities and disasters;

6) Create or reorganize offices and/or task forces, as may be necessary to carry out the
objectives of this Act; and

7) Perform such other functions, as may be necessary, for the attainment of the objectives of
this Act.

Article IIT
EMERGENCY MEASURES

SEC. 6. Emergency Measures. —(a) To protect and preserve life and property and ensure and promote

public safety and welfare, the Department may undertake an:

plement the following emergency measures

in anticipation of, during, and in the aftermath of disasters:

1) Carrying out of preemptive evacuation;

2) Imposition of curfew;

16


3) Rationing of the distribution of basic goods in critical shortage, and when necessary,
preventing or restricting the transfer of such goods outside of the area affected by the disaster,
including access to rice inventory of the National Food Authority (NFA) office or storage
located in the affected area;

4) When there is imminent danger of loss of lives or damage to property, temporarily take over
or direct the operation of any private utility or business, subject to payment of just
compensation; and

5) With the concurrence of the DOF, recommend to the Monetary Board the deferment of the
payment of monetary obligations of local government units and private entities that have
been severely affected by disaster.

(b) Local government units shall enact ordinances on and implement necessary and appropriate
emergency measures to ensure the protection and preservation of life and property and the
promotion of public safety and welfare in anticipation of, during, and in the aftermath of
disasters;

(c) Emergency measures shall be carried out in a manner that is humane, respectful of the dignity
and culture of persons, without the use of discrimination and disproportionate force, and with
conscious attention to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups.

(d) Appropriate steps shall be taken to inform the public of the need to implement emergency measures
for their safety.

SEC. 7. Preemptive and Force Evacuations. ~ Preemptive evacuation shall be the preferred and

primary mode of moving and relocating people that will be affected by impending disasters.

AA forced evacuation shall be considered as an emergency measure of last resort that may be undertaken
Provided, That
in case of the failure or inability of the local goverment units to implement the same, the forced evacuation
shall be implemented by the Department, which may direct and compel the assistance of law enforcement

in anticipation of or during a disaster and carried out by the concerned local government uni

and other government agencies to implement such measure.
Any person who willfully disregards or disobeys a preemptive or forced evacuation carried out by the

local government unit or the Department releases such local government unit or the Department, as the case

may be, from any liability for injury, death, damage to, or loss of property due to such disobedience.

Article IV
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

SEC. 8, The Secretary. - The Department shall be headed by the Secretary of Disaster Resilience,
hereinafter referred to as the Secretary, who shall be appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by
the Committee on Appointments. The Secretary shall preferably have a good background in any of the
scientific, engineering, and public management fields relevant to the attainment and promotion of resiliency
to natural hazards and climate change, and demonstrated managerial acumen.

SEC. 9. Powers and Functions of the Secretary.— The Secretary shall have the following powers and
functions:

a) Provide executive direction and supervision over the entire operations of the Department;

Ww


b)

8)

hy

id

k)
)

Establish and promulgate policies, rules, and regulat

ns for the effective and efficient operation
of the Department and implement these to carry out its mandate, functions, programs, and
activities;

Exercise control and supervision over all functions and activities of the Department and its
officers and personnel;

Manage the financial, human and other resources of the Department;

Appoint and designate officers and employees of the Department, excluding those requiring
presidential appointment as provided for by law;

Exercise disciplinary powers over officers and employees of the Department in accordance with
law, and investigate such erring officers and employees, or designate a committee or officer to
conduct an
Collaborate
on the policies, programs, projects, and activities of the Department, as may be necessary;

vestigation;

other government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations

‘Advise the President on the promulgation of executive and administrative orders, and the
formulation of regulatory and legislative proposals on matters pertaining to disaster resilience;
Represent the Philippines and articulate the national contribution to global, regional, and other
inter-governmental disaster risk reduction and humanitarian platforms, in coordination with the
Department of Foreign Affairs;

Formulate such rules and regulations, and exercise such other powers as may be required to
implement the objectives of this Act; and

Serve as a member of the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB); and

Perform such other tasks as may be provided by law or assigned by the President.

SEC. 10. The Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by four (4) Undersecretaries, who
shall be appointed by the President upon the nomination of the Department Secretary, and which shall be

responsible for the following key result areas:

a)

b)

°)

1)

Disaster Preparedness and Response - to implement projects and programs that will enhance
the capacity of LGUs to prepare against, and respond to, disasters. This also includes
development of a database of exposure or elements at risk per area and database of volunteers,
among others. It involves the establishment of evacuation centers and the implementation of

responsive and effi

t prepositioning of goods, maintenance and disposal of stocks, among,
others;
Disaster Risk Reduction - to formulate, adopt, and/or implement, among others, a whole-of-

society approach in poli
to address the effects of climate change, and to mi
This includes the formulation of the required policies and/or programs for disaster risk reduction

ies and programs to prevent new, if not reduce existing disaster risks,

ize loss and damage to lives and properties.

‘and climate change adaptation in, among others, the NDRF and the NDRPIP;
Recovery and Building Forward and Better - to formulate and implement rehabilitation plans
for disaster-affected areas, and to ensure the implementation of disaster recovery and

rehabilitation measures, such as, but not limited to, post-disaster shelters and livelihood projects,
in collaboration with relevant agencies, LGUs, and other stakeholders.

Support to Operations - to formulate and implement, among others, policies, programs and/or
projects to ensure the efficient, effective, and responsive delivery of the Department's key result

areas. Support to Operations covers knowledge management, institutional development and
18


planning, finance, office administration, human resources management, and development of the
Department’s in-house capacities, among others.

SEC. 11. The Assistant Secretaries and Directors. - The Department shall have four (4) Assistant
Secretaries, who shall be appointed by the President upon the nomination of the Department Secretary, and
appropriate number of Directors to ensure for the effective, efficient, and responsive implementation of the
mandate and functions of the Department.

SEC. 12. Qualifications. — No person shall be appointed Secretary, Undersecretary, or Assistant
Secretary of the Department unless a citizen and resident of the Philippines, of good moral character, and of
proven experience, competence or expertise in humanitarian relief assistance and disaster management. The
Secretary, Undersecretary, or Assistant Secretary shall not hold any other position, public or private, during
their terms of office.

SEC 13. Structure and Staffing Pattern, - The Department shall determine its organizational

structure and staffing pattem and create such services, divisions, and units, as it may require or deem
necessary, subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management.

SEC. 14. National Disaster Operations Center, Alternative Command Center, and Research and
Training Institute, - The Department shall establish, within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, and
act as the primary operator, the National Disaster Operations Center (NDOC), Alternative Command and
Control Center (ACCCs) as may be necessary in each of the country’s major island groups, and the Disaster
Resilience Research and Training Institute (DRRT1).

‘The Department is authorized to collect fees derived from the DRRTI.

‘The NDOC is a physical center equipped with the necessary tools and systems to monitor, manage,
and respond to disasters in all areas of the country. The NDOC shall also provide the necessary support for
the overall coordination and implementation of emergency and disaster response measures throughout the
country.

The ACCC are command centers established in other locations to provide supplemental support to
the NDOC. The number and location of ACCCs shall be determined by the Department. Temporary ACCCs
may likewise be established by the Department, if necessary.

SEC. 15. DRRTI Functions and Inter-Agency Knowledge Sharing. - ‘The DRRTI shall be a platform
for providing training preferably on site, and for collecting, consolidating, managing, analyzing, and sharing
knowledge and information to improve or enhance disaster resilience.

‘The DRRT! shall:

a) Establish reliable and up-to-date disaster-related information and communication systems and
technologies through close collaboration with the DOST, DENR-MGB's geohazard units, and
with academic institutions;

) Institutionalize, maintain, and update an integrated disaster resilience information system (IDRIS),

which includes, among others, multi-hazard mapping, probabilistic risk assessment, risk
analysis, early warming, exposure database, communication and emergency management
systems;

©) Establish a database that includes relevant information from other government agencies and third
parties for the Department to better prepare and respond to natural hazards including, but not
limited to, an inventory of hazardous materials per area;

4) Consult and coordinate with, and consolidate information or data from, relevant government

agencies, such as, but not limited to, DOST, DENR-MGB’s geohazard units, LGUs, academic
19


institutions, and relevant CSOs to enhance the IDRIS and to promote knowledge sharing among
all stakeholders;
¢) Conduct disaster-related research programs, seminars, and trainings for all types of stakeholders;

f) Consolidate, organize and/or prepare training materials and publications; and

2) Conduct other activities consistent with promoting the formation and dissemination of knowledge

and information relating to disaster resilience and disaster management.

SEC. 16. Compliance and Accreditation of DRRTI with International Standards. - The
Department shall strive to obtain certification from, and accreditation by, international accreditation bodies
of the DRRTI to ensure DRRTI’s compliance with international standards. The Department shall likewise
ensure collaboration with key countries and international organizations to incorporate best practices on
disaster resilience in the Department's policies and programs.

SEC. 17. Disaster Assistance Action Center. The Department shall institutionalize a one-stop shop
mechanism through a Disaster Assistance Action Center (DAAC) which shall, among others, process

necessary documents for both domestic and international assisting actors.

SEC. 18. Incentives. - The Department has the authority to prescribe benefits, allowances, and similar
emoluments for disaster management professionals and disaster resilience officers at the national and local
levels.
Article V
NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS.

SEC. 19. Retention of Local DRRM Offices and Creation of Local Disaster Resilience Offices. - The
Local DRRM Offices (LDRRMOs) in provinces, cities, and municipalities shall be retained and renamed as
Provincial, City, and Municipality Disaster Resilience Offices, respectively. They shall collectively be called
Local Disaster Resilience Offices (LDROs). All LGUs shall establish an LDRO at the provincial, city, and
municipal levels. All Local DRRM Councils (LDRRMCs) shall be abolished.

‘The budgetary requirements for personal services, maintenance and other operating expenses, and
capital outlay of the LDROs shall be sourced from the General Fund of the LGU, subject to Section 76 of
Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended,

Other maintenance and operating expenses 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 Disaster Resilience Fund of the LGUs.
or municipalities shall be exempted from the Personnel Services (PS) limi

Provinces, ¢
local government budgets in relation to the creation of the LDROs and the appointment of its officers and
personnel.

SEC. 20. Composition and Organization of LDROs. - The LDRO shall be under the supervision and
control of the provincial govemor, and city or municipal mayor, as applicable. The LDRO shall be composed
of an officer and five (5) permanent personnel responsible for, among others, administration, research and
planning, training, and operations. The organization, composition, functions, and responsibilities of retained
LDRRMOs shall be modified to the extent provid
of this Act and the IRR for the establishment, maintenance and operations of LDROs.

SEC. 21. Local Disaster Resilience Officer. - The LDRO shall be headed and managed by a well-
nce Officer with regular plantilla position. The Local Disaster

in, and shall comply with the requirements and standards

qualified and full-time Local Disaster Re
Resilience Officer and Staff shall be appointed by the Local Chief Executive subject to the requirements and

endowed with the emoluments and benefits in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
20


Local Disaster Resilience Officers (LDRO) shall comply with the minimum requirements in terms of

education, training and experience, civil service eligibility, physical fitness, and other qualities required for

the position. The degree of qualification of an officer or employee shall be determined by the appointing

authority on the basis of qualification standards for the particular position.

Provided, however, that the local chief executive may request the waiver from experience and training,

requirements for the appointment to the LDRO, subject to the approval of the CSC only on meritorious cases.
SEC. 22. Powers and Functions of City and Municipal DROs. - The City and Municipal (CDRO

and MDRO) shall have the following powers and functions:

a)

b)

ad

e)

8)

hy

dD

oy)

»

Formulate and implement, in close coordination with the Department, a comprehensive and
integrated LDRP in accordance with the NDRF and the NDRPIP;

Design, program, coordinate, and implement disaster resilience activ

including
preparedness, risk reduction, response, recovery and rehabilitation measures consistent with the
standards and guidelines provided by the Department, and implement the NDRF and the
NDRPIP at the city or municipal level;

Prepare and submit to the local Sanggunian, the LDRP, the proposed programming of the LDR

Fund, other dedicated disaster res
LDRO;

snce resources, and other regular funding source of the

Recommend to the local Sanggunian the enactment of local ordinances to implement the LDRP,
NDRF and NDRPIP at the city or municipal level, and to comply with other requirements of
this Act;

Prepare and submit to the Department, the local Commission on Audit, and the applicable
Regional Disaster Resilience Office a report on the utilization of its Local Disaster Resilience
Fund and other disaster risk reduction and management resources;

Establish and maintain, in coordination with the Department, an information management
system within the LGU which, among others, consolidates and includes local risk information
on natural hazards, profile of the LGU’s vulnerable or marginalized groups, local risk maps, and
a disaggregated database of human resource, equipment, services, resources, directories and
location of critical infrastructures with their capacities as hospitals and evacuation centers;
Operate and maintain, in coordination with the Department, a multi-hazard early warning and
communications system to provide accurate and timely information to the public;

Organize and conduct training and knowledge management activities on disaster resilience at
the local level, in coordination with the DRRTI;

Procure emergency works, goods, and services in compliance with the regulations, orders, and
s of DBM and Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), to implement the DRP

po
or support early recovery and post-disaster activities;
In coordination with the Department, the DOF and other relevant agencies, access foreign loans

to finance its projects, programs, and policies for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and

rehabilitation, subject to terms and conditions agreed upon by the LDRO and the lender;
Monitor and mobilize instrumentalities and entities of the LGU and its partner LGUs, CSOs,

ilience activities,

private sector, organized volunteers, and sectoral organizations for disaster r
in accordance with policies and procedures of the Department and applicable laws;
Coordinate and provide the necessary support or assistance to the Department in the

;plementation of rehabilitation plan within the city or municipality covered by the LDRO;
21



n)

o)

SEC. 23. Provincial Disaster Resilience Officer. - The Provincial Disaster Re:

Coordinate with the Department, other government agencies, members of the private sector and
other stakeholders in the LGU to establish a Business Continuity Plan as part of their LDRP’s
disaster preparedness measures;

Establish linkage or network and coordination mechanisms with other LGUs and the
Department for disaster resilience activities and to achieve the purposes of this Act; and,

Conduct other act

ies and/or act on other matters, in accordance with policies and procedures
of the Department and applicable laws, to achieve the purposes of this Act.
jience Office (PDRO)

shall be headed and managed by a Provincial Disaster Resilience Officer with regular plantilla position.
SEC. 24. Powers and Functions of the PDRO. - The PDRO shall have the following powers and

functions:

a)

b)

°)

d)

°)

8)

h)

Formulate and implement, in close coordination with the Department and cities or muni ies

within its jurisdiction, a comprehensive and integrated Provincial LDRP in accordance with the
NDRF and the NDRPIP;

Review the LDRPs of cities and municipalities within its jurisdiction, and require the
amendment of such LDRPs if necessary, to ensure compliance with the Provincial LDRP and/or
the NDRF and NDRPIP;

Design, program, coordinate, and/or implement disaster resilience activities consistent with the
standards and guidelines provided by the Department, and implement the NDRF and the
NDRPIP at the provi
Prepare and submit to the Sanggunian Panlalawigan, the Provincial LDRP, the proposed

level;

programming of the province’s Local Disaster Resilience Fund, other dedicated disaster

resilience resources, and other funding sources of the PDRO;

Recommend to the Sanggunian Panlalawigan the enactment of local ordinances to implement
the Provincial LDRP, NDRF and NDRPIP at the provincial level, and to comply with other
requirements of this Act;

Prepare and submit to the Department, the local Commission on Audit, and the applicable
Regional Disaster Resilience Office a report on the utilization of the province’s Local Disaster
Resilience Fund and other disaster risk reduction and management resources;

Establish and maintain, in coordination with the Department, a Provincial Command and
Control Center (PCC) which includes, among others, an information management system at the
provincial level which consolidates and integrates information from the cities and/or
municipalities within its jurisdiction, a multi-hazard early warning and communications system
that is connected with the cities and/or municipalities within its jurisdiction, and a monitoring
system that enables the PDRO to oversee, supervise, monitor and respond to the needs of cities
and municipalities within its jurisdiction in relation to disaster resilience activities;

Procure emergency works, goods, and services in compliance with the regulations, orders, and
policies of DBM and GPPB, to implement the provincial LDRP or support early recovery and
post-disaster activities of the PDRO;

In coordination with the Department and the DOF, access foreign loans to finance its projects,
programs, and policies for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation, subject
to terms and conditions agreed upon by the PDRO and the lender;

22


dD

k)

Formulate and establish mechanisms to mobilize and direct LDROs within its jurisd

necessary for disaster preparedness and response at the provincial level;

Coordinate and provide the necessary support or assistance to the Department in the
implementation of rehabilitation plan(s) within the cities and/or municipalities covered by the
PDRO; and

Conduct other activities and/or act on other matters, in accordance with policies and procedures

of the Department and applicable laws, to achieve the purposes of this Act.

. 25. Regional Offices. - The Department shall establish and maintain Regional Offices (ROs) at

each region, and a National Capital Region Office (NCR). The size, composition and organization of ROs
and NCR shall be based on parameters provided in the IRR on the ability of LGUs within its jurisdiction to

cope with previous disasters, or to implement their LDRPs or Provincial LDRPs; the level of income,
population, hazard exposure of LGUs. The ROs and NCR shall be funded by the Department.

SEC. 26. Regional Director. - Fach RO and the NCR shall be headed and managed by a Regional
Director with regular plantilla position. The Regional Director shall be appointed by the Department

Sccretary for a fixed term pursuant to requirements, terms of office and endowed with the emoluments and

benefits subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.
SEC. 27. Powers and Functions of ROs and NCR. - The ROs and NCR shall have the following

powers and functions:

a)

b)

4

°)

8)

h)

Review the LDRPs and Provincial LDRPs of LGUs within its jurisdiction, and require the
amendment of such LDRPs and/or Provincial LDRPs if necessary, to ensure compliance with
the NDRF and NDRPIP;

Monitor and direct LDROs and PDROs to implement their respective LDROs and PDROs;
Recommend to the appropriate Sanggumian at the city, municipal or provincial level, the
enactment of local ordinances to implement the LDRP, NDRF and NDRPIP at the city,
municipal or provincial level, and to comply with other requirements of this Act;

Review reports on the utilization of the LDRF and other disaster risk reduction and management
resources of LGUs within its jurisdiction, and give recommendations, as necessary;

Disburse to, and monitor the use by, LGUs of Supplemental LDRF as granted by the Department
pursuant to this Act and its IRR;

Provide, upon the request of LGUs or unilaterally at its own discretion, assistance to LGU(s)
within its jurisdiction as necessary to ensure the implementation of LDRPs or Provincial LDRPs,
NDRF and NDRPIP, and to render efficient and timely disaster preparedness, response and
recovery measures;

Identify and report to the Department issues and problems relating to, or affecting, the disaster
resilience of LGUs within its jurisdiction, and make recommendations to the Department or to

the LGUs to address such issues or problems;

Procure goods and services in compliance with the regulations, orders, and policies of DBM and
GPPB, to implement the NDRPIP and NDRF at the regional level;

Formulate and establish mechanisms to mobilize and direct LDROs and PDROs within its
jurisdiction as necessary for disaster preparedness and response at the regional level;

Establish and maintain, in coordination with the Department, a Regional Command and Control
Center (RCC) which includes, among others, an information management system at the regional

level which consolidates and integrates information from the provinces, cities and municipalities
2B


within its jurisdiction, a multi-hazard early wa

ing and communications system, and a

monitoring system that enables the RO to oversee, supervise, monitor and respond to the needs

of LGUs withii

the implementati

coverage; and

jurisdiction in relation to disaster resilience acti

s; implement or assist in
1 as directed by the Department, of rehabilitation plans for LGUs within its

k) Conduct other activities and/or act on other matters, in accordance with policies and procedures
of the Department and applicable laws, to achieve the purposes of this Act.
SEC. 28. Inter-Regional Disaster Resilience Office Collaboration. - The Department shall create

policies and programs to establish collaboration and coordination among the different ROs.
SEC. 29. Levels of Responsibility for Disaster Preparedness and Response. - The primary

respons

collaboration with the relevant departments and agencies, as follows:

ity for disaster preparedness and response shall be exercised at the local and national level in

Municipality (Lead)

Local Disaster Resilience
Office

(In the case of BARMM:
Municipal / City Mayor and
BARMM Local Disaster
Resilience Office)

LEVELS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS ‘CONDITIONS
RESPONSIBILITY
Level | — City or Municipality { Mayor of the City / Ifa disaster affects a single

municipality / city

Level 2 = Province

Governor (Lead)

Provincial Disaster Resilience
Office

Applicable Local Disaster
Resilience Offices

(In the case of BARMM:
Provincial Governor and
BARMM Local Disaster
Resilience Office/s)

Ifa disaster affects two or more
municipalities / cities

Level 3 — Region

Regional Director of the
Regional Office
(RO) (Lead)

Applicable Governors

Applicable Provincial Disaster
Resilience
Offices

(in the case of BARMM:
Regional Governor and ARMM.
Local Disaster Resilience
Office/s)

(In the case of Metro Manila:

Ifa disaster affects two or more
provinces and/or independent
‘component or highly urbanized
cities

MMDA Chair)
Level 4~ National Secretary of the Department of [+ When a state of calamity is
Disaster Resilience (Lead) declared by the President

24


During a state of calamity in] Governors of the affected + Ifa disaster affects at least
any area(s) or affecting several | Provinces two (2) regions

regions + When the affected LGU
cannot dispense its

functions, or respond to the
threat or effect of disaster;

+ When the local chief
executive or, in his/her
absence or incapacity, the
next high-ranking official,
directly requests the
Department to take over;

‘+ When the President directs
a Level 4 response.

SEC. 30. Inter-Local Government Assistance. - \.GUs are hereby authorized to extend assistance to
another LGU, whether through funding or donation of goods and/or services, to ensure effective disaster
preparedness and response, such as the pre-positioning and provision of basic goods, and training of first
responders, among others, subject to auditing and accounting.

SEC. 31. Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Powers of the Department. - The Department shall
be primarily responsible for the identification, planning and funding of priority reconstruction and
rehabilitation projects and programs on areas affected by disasters: Provided, That the Department of Public
Works and Highways shall be the primary implementor of all infrastructure-related rehabilitation and
reconstruction projects, including retrofitting of structures to make them more resistant and resilient to the
effects of natural disasters.

SEC. 32. Service Continuity of the Department, - To ensure service continuity, the Department and
its regional and attached offices shall be established in a reasonably resilient location; and undertake the
necessary interventions to make its offices and systems disaster- resilient.

SEC. 33. Assistance to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. ~ The National
Government, thru the Secretary of Disaster Resilience, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional
Government shall create an inter-governmental mechanism for humanitarian relief assistance in the BARMM
during times of natural disasters.

Article VI
WHOLE OF GOVERNMENT, WHOLE OF NATION, AND WHOLE OF SOCIETY APPROACH
AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS,

SEC. 34. Inter-operability of Systems. - The Department shall establish mechanisms to ensure the
inter-operability of systems among government agencies, and to allow access of agencies to the IDRIS as
established pursuant to Section 15 of this Act. It shall develop protocols to allow real-time access to
information by government agencies in relation to natural disasters and the implementation of disaster
resilience measures.

SEC. 35. Synergy with Stakeholders. - The Department shall ensure close collaboration 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 education and training mechanisms
with relevant stakeholders.

The Department shall establish a platform and mechanisms for coordination with stakeholders,
including the development of standard operating procedures for collaboration in the event of a disaster.

25


SEC. 36. Establishment of Multi-Stakeholders Convergence Unit. - The Department shall, with the
assistance of other relevant government agencies and stakeholders, establish a Multi-Stakeholders
Convergence Unit (MSCU) within ninety (90) days which shall align the disaster resilience efforts of the
private sector, CSOs, academe and other stakeholders with that of the Department by assisting, coordinating
or providing services that strengthen public-private coordination in disaster resilience, including the
following:

a) Establishment and implementation of business continuity practices to ensure the continued

delivery of products and services in the event of a natural disaster;
b) Crafting and implementation of a National Continuity Policy to ensure service continuity during

interruptions, emergencies, and disasters and ensure the quick return to full operations;

©) _ Establishment, incorporation, and application of business conti
of LGUs;

4) Facilitation or assistance in obtaining or processing incentives for the private sector or other

ity plans as part of the LDRP

non-government stakeholders, such as tax credits; and

€) Preparation and facilitating the issuance of special rules for 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 nongovemment stakeholders. It shall be headed by one (1) of the
Undersecretaries of the Department

SEC. 37. Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders. ~ The commitment, goodwill, knowledge,
experience and resources of relevant stakeholders are critical to realize a safer, adaptive, resilient and
inclusive Filipino community. Citizens shall have the shared vision and duty to provide support to the State
in the implementation of policies and programs, particularly the Disaster Resilience Framework and Disaster
Resilience Plan at the national, regional, and local levels.

a) Civil society, non-governmental organizations, international non-governmental organizations,
private sector, DRRM practitioners, and volunteers shall participate, in collaboration with public
institutions, in the exchange of information, learnings, and guidance on disaster resilience. The
Department shall encourage and institutionalize their engagement in the implementation of

local, regional, national, and global plans and strategies to enhance public awareness and

promote a culture of disaster resilience;
b) Women, children, and youth, as agents of change, shall endeavor to contribute actively and

participate in disaster resilience trainings and information disseminatior

c) Senior citizens and persons with disabilities shall contribute their knowledge and experience on
disaster preparedness and resiliency;

4) Migrants and the urban and rural poor shall participate in building resilient resettlement
communities;

) Emergency responders and volunteer organizations shall contribute to resilience by promptly
and efficiently responding to disasters and emergencies consistent with the policies of the
Department;

1) Academia, scientific and research entities, and networks shall be assisted, as necessary, to
undertake relevant research on disaster resiliency in partnership with the Department and other

stakeholders for better decision-making;
26


2) The private sector is encouraged to integrate disaster resiliency projects and programs in their

corporate social responsibility initiatives; and

h) The media shall provide prompt and accurate information to the public on early warning

systems, natural hazards, and disaster resilience activities of the Department.

The Department, with the assistance of the ROs shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this
Act, establish and convene a Disaster Resilience Assembly at the regional and national levels which shall be
held on a quarterly basis to ensure the proactive engagement of different stakeholders, such as government
agencies, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), League of Cities of the Philippines
(LCP), League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), CSOs, NGOs, academe, DRRM practitioners,
and the private sector, to ensure and foster coordination and collaboration towards achieving the goals of
this Act.

LGUs shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, convene local DRAs within their
jurisdictions, for the attainment of disaster resilience at the local level

SEC. 38. Recognition and Incentives. - The Department, in partnership with the private sector, shall
establish an incentives program that shall recognize the outstanding performance of LDRO, NGOs, CSOs,
schools, hospitals, and other stakeholders in promoting and implementing significant disaster risk reduction
management-climate change adaptation programs and innovations, and meritorious acts of individuals,
groups or institutions during natural disasters subject to existing laws, rules and regulations,

Article VI
PREPAREDNESS AND INTEGRATED EARLY WARNING
SEC. 39. Standards for Disaster Preparedness Activities. — (a) The Department shall establish

standards and protocols for disaster preparedness, contingency planning, localizing and operationalizing
disaster risk reduction and management, preparedness for responding to disasters and undertaking early

recovery, continuity of essential services, and other relevant preparedness act
(b) LGUs shall identify safe and strategic sites, and establish evacuation centers with appropriate and
adequate facilities in accordance with government-approved standards as provided under Republic Act No.

s.

10821, otherwise known as “The Children's Emergency Relief Protection Act”, to avoid disruption of school
classes and lessen the use of school buildings and facilities as evacuation centers.

(©) The concerned LGUs shall immediately compensate schools used as evacuation centers. The
schools used as evacuation centers may seek compensation for renovation, replacement, or repairs of
damaged facilities for such use.

SEC. 40. Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Risk Communication Standards. ~ There shall be a
streamlined policy governing early warning systems and risk communication protocols to ensure effective
and efficient measures to prepare for, respond to and recover from potential risks and disasters.

‘The Department shall formulate and implement multi-hazard early warning protocols integrating all
disaster preparedness systems in collaboration with local executives, community-based organizations, civil

society organizations, and other non-governmental organizations for proper use and application.

. 41, Early Warning Mandate. — (a) The Department shall issue an integrated early warning alert

for the impending occurrence of hazards that will enable the public to prepare in time and act appropriately
to minimize potential harm or loss.

(b) The Department at the national and local level shall use an integrated early warning system to
ensure it is consistent and locally contextualized with the communication protocol and safe evacuation

procedure of the affected communities. It shall work with other agencies or organizations on pre-crisis
27


information mapping of the humanitarian needs of at-risk communities that will enhance the overall
repositioning of resources at the national and local level.

(©) The Department shall require mobile phone service providers to send out alerts at regular intervals
in the event of an impending natural hazard, in accordance with Republic Act No.10639, otherwise known
as the “Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act”,

(d) The Department shall recognize and proactively support local or indigenous modes of early
‘warning systems and allow open access to near 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. Any person who transmits early warning concerning the abovementioned
phenomena by means of signs in designs, colors, lights, or sound shall do so in compliance with the methods
recognized or approved by the Department.

Article VIIL
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

SEC. 42, Management of Humanitarian Assistance. - (a) The Department shall have the power to
receive and manage humanitarian assistance from any person or entity, whether from local or international
sources.

(b) The importation by, and acceptance of humanitarian assistance donated to the Department,
consisting of, among others, food, clothing, medical assistance, equipment, and materials for relief, recovery
and other disaster management activities, are hereby authorized in accordance with Sections 120 and 121
of Republic Act No. 10863 otherwise known as “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)”, and the

prevailing provisions of the General Appropriations Act covering national internal revenue taxes and import
duties of national and local government agencies.

SEC. 43, International Humanitarian Assistance. - The Department, in consultation with the
Bureau of Immigration and the Bureau of Customs 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. 44. Assessment of the Need for International Humanitarian Assistance. — (a) immediately
after the declaration of a state of calamity by the local Sanggunian of the relevant local government unit or
by the Department, as the case may be, the Department shall determine whether domestic capacities are
likely to be sufficient to attend to the needs of affected persons for international humanitarian ass
This determination may also be made, at the discretion of the President, prior to the onset of an imminent

ance.

disaster.

(b) In the event of a determination by the Department that domestic response capacities are not likely
to be sufficient due to the impact of the disaster, the Department shall recommend to the President that a
request be made for international humanitarian assistance.

(c) A determination that domestic capacities are likely to be sufficient and that intemational
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. 45. Humanitarian Assistance Action Center. — The Department shall create an inter-agency

‘one-stop shop mechanism called the Humanitarian Assistance Action Center (HAAC) for the processing and

release of entry and facilitation of goods, articles or equipment and services and international relief workers
28


for the provision of international humanitarian assistance and the processing of necessary documents for
assisting international actors.
The Department shall lead and manage the HAAC, which shall be composed of the following:

a) Bureau of Customs;

b) Department of Foreign Affairs;

©) Department of Social Welfare and Development;

4) Department of Health;

¢) Food and Drug Administration;

f) Department of Agriculture;

2) Department of Energy;

h) Department of National Defense;

i) Philippine National Police;

ji) Philippine Coast Guard;

k) Department of Transportation;

Department of Environment and Natural Resources;

m) Bureau of Immigration; and

1) Bureau of Fire Protection.

SEC. 46. Request for International Humanitarian Assistance. — (a) In cognizance of the urgency,

criticality and intensity of an imminent risk, the Department 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.

(b) The President may request international humanitarian assistance, upon the advice of the
Secretary. Such request may be specifically directed to particular assisting international actors or may be a
general request directed to the international community.

SEC. 47. Regulation of Humanitarian Assistance. — (a) The Department shall ensure the efficient
and effective monitoring of humanitarian assistance from domestic or international donors, establish and
operate a platform, including an online platform, to facilitate, and provide public access to information on
donations.

(b) The Department shall include in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act guidelines
and accountabilities on the receipt, management, distribution, accounting, and reporting of all humanitarian
assistance, whether in cash or in kind, consistent with the rules on the use of foreign and local aid during
calamities and disasters issued by the COA and other relevant government agencies.

SEC. 48, Humanitarian Relief for Human-Induced Disasters. ~The Secretary of the Department
of Disaster Resilience shall have the authority to provide humanitarian relief in the consequence management
of human-induced emergencies such as acts of terrorism, insurgency, fire, and other related human-induced
disasters

Article IX
OFFER AND FACILITATION OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
TO FOREIGN STATES

SEC. 49. 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, in coordination with the DFA, may offer, facilitate, provide, and deploy international

29


humanitarian assistance to said foreign State, which shall be subject to guidelines to be promulgated by the
Department for the purpose.
SEC. 50. 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.
Article X
DECLARATION OF STATE OF CALAMITY
SEC. 51. Declaration of State of Calamity. -The Department shall recommend to the President the
declaration of a state of calamity, whether in whole or part of an area, in case of an extraordinary disaster
wherein the repercussions on public safety and welfare are serious and far-reaching.
SEC. 52. Conditions for the Declaration of a State of Calamity. -The President shall declare a state
of calamity when all of the following requisites are present:
a) There is a grave, unforeseen, or sudden occurrence which demands immediate action;
b) The occurrence was caused by a natural disaster;
©) The occurrence is likely to cause a threat to life and/or danger to property; and
4) The declaration of a state of calamity shall cover a limited period only.
SEC. 53. Mandatory and Remedial Measures. - The declaration of a state of calamity shall allow
the immediate implementation of any or all of the following remedial measures:
a) Imposition of price ceiling on basic necessities and prime commodities by the President upon
the recommendation of the implementing agency as provided for under Republic Act No. 7581,
otherwise known as the “Price Act”, or the National Price Coordinating Council;
b) Monitoring, prevention and control by the Local Price Coordination Council of overpricing or
profiteering and hoarding of prime commodities, medicines and petroleum products;
€} Grant of tax credits or exemptions by the BIR, upon the recommendation of the President or the
Department; and
4d) Use of alternative methods of procurement as provided in Article XVI of Republic Act No.
9184, as amended by R.A., 12009, its implementing rules regulations (IRR) and other issuances
of the Government Procurement Policy Board by the Department, LGUs or the relevant
government instrumentalities in relation to the urgent procurement of emergency works, goods
and services to effectively respond to, quickly respond to disasters, and build forward better.
Article XI
RECOVERY
SEC. 54. Standards for Recovery. — The Department shall observe internationally accepted
standards for recovery, planning, programming and implementation of the recovery process. Towards this
end, the Department shall:
2) Improve the community’s physical, social and economic resilience, consistent with the
principle of “building forward better”;
b) Use locally driven centrally supported processes based on legal mandates with supplementary
capacity support when requested;
ize loss of lives and structures resulting

c) Redirect development outside danger zones to mini
from typhoons, flooding, landslides, and other hazard events;

4) _ Employ outcome-driven planning and implementation;


©) Maximize use of private-public sector partnership where possible;

f) Consider local conditions such as culture, security situation and existing capacities of
‘communities in identifying programs and projects;

2) Ensure access to public transport, physical and mental health services, markets, schools,
sustainable livelihoods, and other public services in planning for settlement areas; and

h) Ensure restoration of peace and order and recovery of government functions.

Article XII
FUNDS AND RESOURCES

SEC. 55. Fund Regulations. - The DBM and COA shall establish rules and regulations to ensure that
funds required for disaster response, recovery, and rehabilitation are available and/or released efficiently and
expeditiously through innovative budgeting and auditing mechanisms.

SEC. 56. Local Disaster Resilience Fund and Local Disaster Contingency Fund, - LGUs shall
annually set aside not less than five percent (5%) of their local budget, to constitute a Local Disaster
Resilience Fund (LDRF). The LGU shall use its LDRF to maintain and operate its LDRO to maintain the
officers, employees and staff of the LDRO, and to implement plans, programs and activities under its LDRP.
Thirty percent (30%) of the LDRF shall be set aside as Local Disaster Contingency Fund (LDCF) which shall
be used for disaster response and quick recovery measures.

‘Nothing contained in this Act shall prevent LGUs from providing additional funding or allocating
additional resources for disaster resilience act their jurisdi

SEC. 57. Supplemental LDRF. - The Department may allocate and disburse funds to supplement an
LGU’s LDRF based on parameters and requirements indicated in the IRR. In determining such parameters
and requirements, the IRR shall aim to provide supplemental funds to LGU with low income and/or high
exposure to natural hazards. Supplemental LLDRFs shall, as much as possible, fill gaps or shortages in LGU

ities, plans and programs wit Nn

resources to ensure that LGUs can implement disaster resilience measures such as, among others,
implementing their LDRP or Provincial LDRP, establishing their LDROs or PDROs, obtaining and/or
maintaining the necessary equipment and staff in their LDROs or PDROs, and implementing the NDRF and
the NDRPIP at the local levels.

SEC. 58. National Disaster Resilience Fund. ~ (a) The National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Fund (NDRRM Fund) created under Section 22 of Republic Act No. 10121, otherwise known
as the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2012”, appropriated under the annual
General Appropriations Act is hereby renamed as National Disaster Resilience Fund (NDRF) and shall be
managed and controlled by the Department. The NDRF shall be used for disaster risk reduction or mitigation,
prevention, and preparedness activities such training of personnel, procurement of equipment, and capital

expenditures. I can also be utilized for relief, recovery, reconstruction, and other work or services in
connection with natural or human-induced calamities which may occur during the budget year or those that
‘occurred in the past two (2) years from the budget year.

b) Thirty percent (30%) of the amount appropriated for the NDRF shall be allocated as Quick Response
Fund (QRF) or stand-by fund and shall also be under the management and control of the Department. The
QRF shall be used for relief and recovery programs to quickly normalize the situation and living conditions
of people in communities or areas stricken by disasters, calamities, epidemics, or complex emergencies, and

other related programs, projects and activities formulated at the national level.

31


‘SEC. 59. People’s Survival Fund. - The Secretary of the Department shall be a member of the People’s
Survival Fund Board mandated to manage and administer the People’s Survival Fund created under Republic
Act No. 10174 entitled “An Act Establishing The People's Survival Fund To Provide Long-Term Finance
Streams To Enable The Government To Effectively Address The Problem Of Climate Change, Amending
For The Purpose Republic Act No. 9729, Otherwise Known As The "Climate Change Act Of 2009", and
facilitate its utilization by LGUs, through ROs, to implement climate change adaptation projects of LGUs,
and equip vulnerable LGU communities against the impacts of climate change.

SEC. 60, Multi-Donor Trust Fund. - The Department shall create and manage, together with the
Bureau of Treasury, a Multi-Donor Trust Fund for the processing, releasing and accounting of money and
other similar resources intended for disaster assistance. The Department shall establish a system to ensure
transparency in the management and use of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

SEC. 61. Donations Management. - The Department shall have the power to receive and manage
donations from any person or entity, whether from local or international sources.

The importation by, and donation to, the Department of, among others, food, clothing, medical

assistance, equipment, and materials for relief, recovery and other disaster management
authorized in accordance with Sections 120 and 121 of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the
“Customs Modemization and Tariff’ Act (CMTA)”, and the prevailing provisions of the General

ies are hereby

Appropriations Act covering national intemal revenue taxes and import duties of national and local
government agencies.

SEC. 62. Regulation of Donations. - The Department shall establish and operate a platform, including
an online platform, to facilitate, monitor, and provide public access to information on donations. To ensure
complete accounting and reporting of donations, the Department shall formulate and issue rules and
guidelines for the receipt, management and accounting of donations, which are consistent with the rules on
the use of foreign and local aid during calamities and disasters issued by COA and other relevant government
agencies.

Article XI
SPECIAL RULES ON BORROWING, TAXES,
ECOZONES AND PROCUREMENT
:C. 63. Rules on Borrowing. - The LGUs shall coordinate with the DOF, Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas (BSP), and other relevant agencies to access foreign loans to implement disaster prevention,

mitigation, early recovery, and rehabi

SEC. 64, Special Rules on Tax and Duties. - To facilitate prompt and efficient response to, and/or

tion measures at the provincial, city, or municipal level.

recovery from disasters, the following shall be granted special exemptions from existing taxation laws, rules,
and regulations:
a) Foreign disaster assistance or international donations coursed through the Department shall be
‘exempted from taxes and import duties;
b) Local disaster assistance shall be exempted from donor's tax and allowing the treatment of
donations as a deductible expense for local disaster assistance coursed through the Department;
©) Goods or services donated from abroad coursed through the Department shall be exempted from
the value added tax (VAT); and
4) Aid or assistance rendered by members of the private sector or thei
resilience and climate change adaptation measures for their residence, communities or

wwestments in disaster

businesses.
32


LGUs may also implement local tax rules which would grant disaster victims reasonable reduction,
exemption, or deferment of local taxes or other types of tax assessments; or take other necessary action at the
local level to provide tax relief to disaster victims.

SEC. 65. Custom Duties and Tariffs on Donations. - The BOC shall create rules which would, among
others, hasten the processing and release of donated goods and equipment to disaster victims and/or affected
areas pursuant to Sections 120 and 121 of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the “Customs
Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)”.

SEC. 66. Economic Recovery and Development of Disaster-Prone Areas. - (a) The Department, in
coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other relevant agencies, shall create and

provide poli

jes, programs, and projects, such as, business tax relief and subsidies, to encourage business
investments, and to stimulate economic activities in affected or disaster-prone areas.

b) The Department, in the collaboration with the relevant LGUs and other stakeholders, shall likewise
establish dual purpose structures in disaster affected areas, such as, among others, community agricultural
centers, classrooms, and water harvesting tanks to develop and promote investments in affected or disaster-
prone areas.

SEC. 67. Procurement. — The Department, ROs, or LGUs may resort to any of the Altemative
Methods of Procurement provided in RA No. 9184, including Negotiated Procurement (Emergency Cases)
under Section 53 (b) of RA No. 9184, as amended by RA No. 12009 under Section 35, in any of the following
instances:

4) Incase of imminent danger to life or property during a state of calamity;

b) When ti

©) Other cause where immediate action is:

of the essence arising from natural or man-made calamities; and

1) To prevent damage to or loss of life or property, or

2) Restore vital public services, infrastructure facilities and other public utilities.
Furthermore, the Department, ROs, or LGUs may use Shopping under Section 52 (a) of RA No. 9184,
‘as amended when there is an unforescen contingency requiring immediate purchase.

SEC. 68. Alternative Modes of Procurement. — The Department, ROs, or LGUs may resort to any
of the Alternative Methods of Procurement provided in R.A. No. 9184, including Negotiated Procurement
(Emergency Cases) under Section 53 (b) of R.A. No. 9184, as amended by RA No. 12009 under Section 35.

‘The Department, ROs, or LGUs may also use Framework Agreement in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the GPPB.

SEC. 69. Special Rules on Procurement for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Affected Areas.
= (a) The GPPB shall create special rules on procurement for services, goods, and materials to be used for

and rehabilit

reconstructi

ion efforts in case of a natural disaster including, but not limited to, the
construction post-disaster shelters and provision of service contracts, to ensure the procurement of quality-
oriented goods, materials, and equipment and to guarantee effective, efficient, and speedy procurement to
achieve the goal of this Act.

(b) In case of procurement of services, goods, or materials for reconstruction and rehabilitation effort,
whether from local or international sources, the Department and the relevant government agencies shall
provide less bureaucratic restrictions, or exemption from, or reduction of, customs duties.

SEC. 70. Procurement from Qualified Suppliers or Contractors. — The Department shall have the
power to procure goods and services from either local or foreign suppliers or contractors for purposes of

33


implementing programs, projects, and activities related to disaster resilience and disaster management in
accordance with R.A. No. 9184, as amended by RA 12009, its IRR and other issuances of GPPB,
SEC. 71. Framework Agreement. - The Department shall have authority to enter into Framework

Agreements for the purpose of, among others, establishing a logistics system for the efficient and prompt
distribution of goods, equipment or other materials required for disaster response and management; securing
food, medicines, fuel, or other supplies from groceries, pharmacies, gas stations or other sources in the event
of a disaster in a specific area; ensuring an alternative source of power or water from private utilities in the
event of a disaster in a specific area; or arranging the immediate supply of other goods, services or equipment
necessary for disaster response and management. The conditions, limitations and parameters of contracts or
arrangements authorized under this section shall be provided in RA No. 9184, as amended by R.A. 12009
and its IRR.

SEC. 72. Other Procurement Rules and Policies. — In view of the urgency and avoid unnecessary
delays to procure goods, services, and implement projects for the purpose of providing responsive, effective,

and efficient rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation effort for, and to continue the provision of basic

services to, disaster victims or disaster affected areas, the GPPB shall issue appropriate resolutions, orders,

and policies to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

Article XIV
DISASTER RISK TRANSFER AND INSURANCE
SEC. 73. Mandated Insurance Coverage. - To attain disaster resilience and achieve the purposes
of this Act, the Department shall have the discretion and authority to require government agencies,
government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), or LGUs to insure their assets and/or properties
such as, among others, vessels, vehicles, equipment, machineries, permanent buildings, properties stored
therein, or properties in transit against insurable risks and pay the premiums therefor, to compensate the
Government, GOCC or LGU, as applicable, for any damage to, or loss of, properties due to a natural disaster.
Article XV
YOUTH ASSISTANCE AND PARTICIPATION

SEC. 74. Youth Organizations. - The Department, with the assistance of the National Youth
‘Commission (NYC), shall create policies, projects, and programs that address the special needs of the youth

for disaster preparedness and management which shall include, among others:

a) Supporting youth-oriented pre- and post-disaster activities;

b) Conducting disaster risk training and management programs involving the youth; Coordinating
with the Department of Education to create school curricula or programs that educate and train

children on disaster risk awareness and disaster preparedness;

©) Mobilizing youth organi
4) Encouraging the participation of the youth, through the barangay youth representative and the
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to participate in disaster resilience and disaster management

ions; and

activities.
SEC. 75. Youth Oriented Disaster-Related Programs, Policies, and Projects. - (a) The Department,
with the assistance of the National Youth Commission, shall provide training on, and implement, response

and rehabilitation programs for the youth, including mental health and psycho-social services.
34


(b) The Department, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical
Education and SI

Development Authority (TESDA) and other relevant agencies, shall integrate di
risk and disaster resilience education in the school curriculum.

SEC. 76. Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children, Pregnant and Lactating Mothers. -
‘The Department shall establish and implement a comprehensive emergency program to provide emergency
relief and protection to children, and pregnant and lactating mothers in the event of a natural disaster.

Article XVI
PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES

SEC. 77. Prohibited Acts - Any public official, private person, group or corporation who commits

any of the following prohibited acts shall be held liable and be subjected to the criminal and admi

penalties as provided for in Section 70 of this Act, without prejudice to the imposition of other criminal,
and administrative liabilities under existing laws.
a) Prohibited Acts of Public Officials. The following acts, if committed by public officials without
{justifiable cause, shall be considered as gross neglect of duty:
1) Dereliction of duty which leads to destruction, loss of lives, critical damage of facilities and
misuse of funds;
2) Failure to enforce laws, standards, or regulations such as the National Building Code, Solid
Waste Management Act, Water Code, and other relevant laws, thereby increasing the risk of
disasters or adversely affecting of disaster resilience;
3) Failure to expeditiously act on reported violations;
4) Failure to create LDRO(s) or PDRO(s) and appoint a permanent Local or Provincial Disaster
Resilience Officer within six (6) months from the approval of this Act;
5) Failure to prepare and implement an LDRP or PDRP, as applicable or a contingency plan for
hazards frequently occurring within their jurisdiction.
b) Prohibited Acts of Public Officials and Private Persons or Institutions.
1) Delaying without justifiable cause the delivery of aid commodities, their improper handling,

or storage, resulting to damage or spoilage;
2) Withholding the distribution of relief goods due to (a) political or partisan considerations;
(b) discrimi

rion based on race, ethnicity, religion, or gender; and (c) other similar
circumstances;

3) Preventing the entry and distribution of relief goods in disaster-stricken areas, including
appropriate technology, tools, equipment, accessories, disaster teams or experts;

4) Buying, for consumption or resale, from disaster relief agencies any relief goods, equipment
or other and commodities which are intended for distribution to disaster affected

communities;

5) Buying, for consumption or resale, from the disaster affected persons any relief goods,
equipment or other aid commodities received by them;

6) Selling of relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities which are intended for
distribution to disaster victims;

7) Foreibly seizing relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities intended for or consigned
toa specific group of victims or relief agency;

8) Diverting or misdelivering relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities to persons other

than the rightful recipient or consignee;
35


9) Accepting, possessing, using or disposing relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities

intended for or consigned to other rightful recipient or consignee;

10) Misrepresenting the source of relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities by:

i) Either covering, replacing or defacing the labels of the containers to make it appear
that the goods, equipment or other aid commodities came from another agency or
person;

ii) Repacking the goods, equipment or other aid commodities into containers with
different markings to make it appear that the goods came from another agency or
persons or was released upon the instance of a particular agency or person;

iii) Making false verbal claim that the goods, equipment or other and commodity in its
untampered original containers actually came from another agency or person or was
released upon the instance of a particular agency or person;

11) Substituting or replacing relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities with the same
items or inferior or cheaper quality;

12) Ilegal soliciting of relief goods, equipment or other aid commodities by persons or
organizations representing others as defined in the standards and guidelines set by this Act’s
IRR;

13) Deliberately using false or inflated data in support of the request for funding, relief goods,
equipment or other aid commodities for emergency assistance or other projects; and

14) Tampering with or stealing hazard monitoring and disaster preparedness equipment and

paraphernalia.

SEC. 78. Penalties - Any individual, corporation, partnership, association or other juridical entity that

commits any of the prohibited acts in the preceding Section shall be made liable for the following:

a)

b)

A fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (PhP 100,000.00) or not to exceed Five
hundred thousand pesos (PhP 500,000.00), or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months and
one (1) day nor more than twelve (12) years, or both, at the discretion of the court, including
perpetual disqualification from public office if the offender is a public officer, and confiscation
or forfeiture in favor of the government of the objects and the instrumentalities used in
committing any of herein prohibited acts.

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 the license or
accreditation issued to these entities by any licensing or accredited body of the government. If
such offender is an alien, he or she shall, in addition to the penalties prescribed in this Act, be
deported without further proceedings after service of the sentence.

If the offender is a public officer, the offense shall also be punishable by administrative
suspension of six (6) months and one (1) day to one (1) year for the first offense, and dismissal
from the service for the second offense. The penalty of dismissal shall carry with it the
cancellation of eligibility to or forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from

holding public office and disqualification from taking civil service examinations.

‘Acts committed in violation of this Section shall be without prejudice to the imposition of other

criminal, civil and administrative liabilities under other existing laws.

36


SEC. 79. Liability for Unlawful Performance of Duties and State Liability in Case of Defense
Litigation. - \n case a lawsuit is filed against an officer or employee of the Department as a result of the
performance of official duties, and such performance was found to be lawful, the officer shall or employee
shall be reimbursed by the Department for reasonable costs of liti

is purpose, the Department is
authorized to procure the applicable liability insurance for its officers and employees.

SEC. 80. Disciplinary Powers of the President. - The President, upon the recommendation of the
Department Secretary, shall impose administrative sanctions against local chief executives and barangay
officials for willful or negligent acts performed in the implementation of, or compliance with, this Act and
its IRR of relating to their official functions which adversely affect disaster resilience projects such as delayed
issuance of permits or failure to implement local ordinances.

Article XVI
SPECIAL COURTS AND INJUNCTIONS
SEC. 81. Special Courts on Disaster Resilience Matters. - To ensure the prompt and expeditious
resolution of disputes relating to disaster response, recovery or rehabilitation measures, the Supreme Court
may designate special courts to hear, try, and decide cases arising from the following, among others:
a) _ Implementation of the government’s policies, plans, programs, projects and budge related to the

NDRPIP, LDRP, PDRP, other disaster resilience acti
Act;
b) Construction of new settlements, or relocation of informal settlers or settlements, to promote

ies, or pursuant to the provisions of this,

disaster resilience;
c) Expropriation, eminent domain or right-of-way issues relating to the implementation of disaster
resilience projects;
4) Failure to comply with standards for disaster preparedness and continuity planning, including,
but not limited to infrastructure standards and designs;
©) Declaration of state of calamity under Article X of this Act;
£) Imposition of tax, customs duties, or the implementation of tax relief, exemptions, reductions
and other tax or customs rules and regulations in relation to donations, disaster assistance, or
other tax policies implemented by the BIR or BOC pursuant to the provision of this Act;
2) Commission of prohibited acts under Article XVI of this Act;
h) Disputes involving donations, relief goods, or contracts executed or implemented pursuant to the
provisions of this Act;
i) Other matters relating to achieving the purposes of this Act which the Supreme Court may
determine as falling under the jurisdiction of the special courts created pursuant to this Section.
‘SEC. 82. Dispute Resolution Mechanisms. -The Secretary of the Department may establish a Dispute
Resolution Board which shall resolve internal disputes involving administrative matters related to:

a) Accreditation or denial of accreditation of disaster resilience training inst

tions, trainers,
instructors, donors, volunteers, and Assisting Domestic or International Actors;

b) Decisions of the ROs;

©) Contracts entered into by the Department or any of its agents pursuant to the provisions of this
‘Act; and

4) Other administrative matters or issues as may be determined by the Department.

The composition, structure, and other organizational matters related to the DRB shall be defined and

provided in the IRR of this Act.
37


SEC. 83. Special Prosecutors - The Ombudsman shall designate special prosecutors to handle and
prosecute violations of this Act involving public officials and employees.

SEC. 84. Imposition of Temporary Restraining Order. - No Court, except the Supreme Court, shall
have the powers to issue an injunction or a temporary restraining order against any action taken or projects
implemented by the Department or its agents pursuant to this Act.

Article XVII
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 85. Transfer. ~

a) The disaster risk reduction and management powers, functions, assets, personnel, fund and
appropriations 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.

The existing organizational and administrative systems and processes of the OCD, as
transferred, shall serve as the core organization of the Department.

b) The applicable powers, functions, funds and appropriations of the Disaster Response Assistance
and Management Bureau and the National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau under
the DSWD, are hereby transferred to the Department.

©) The NDRRMC is hereby abolished.

The DILG, DND, DSWD, and other relevant government instrumentalities, including the AFP, BFP,
PNP, PCG, and OCD, shall continue to perform their functions related to the consequence management of
human-induced disasters, as provided for by existing laws.

‘The Department shall, by virtue of this Act, be subrogated to all the rights and assume all the liabilities
of the agencies transferred 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 in

accordance with the Auditing Code and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
‘SEC. 86. Coordination and Convergence with the Climate Change Commission. - The Department,
and the Climate Change Commission, pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act No. 9729, as

amended, shall establish and implement a convergence mechanism to facilitate coordination on the following,
areas:

a) Conduct of current and future climate and disaster risk assessment as basis for sustainable
development and resilient investment planning and programming at the national, sectorial, and
local levels;

b) Establishment of a National Integrated Climate and Disaster Risk Information System, a

singular platform for integrating and sharing climate and disaster risk information;

| assistance programs for

©) Development and implementation of capacity-building and techni
local government units and stakeholders on climate change adaptation and disaster risk
reduction;

4) Monitoring and evaluation of progress of implementation of national, sectorial, and local plans

and programs on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction; and,
38


©) Development of knowledge exchange platforms and implementation of information, education,
and communication program, including good practices on Climate Change Adaptation and
Disaster Risk Reduction,

SEC. 87. Transitory Provision. - The transfer of functions, assets, funds, equipment, properties,
transactions, and personnel of the affected and transferred agencies, and the formulation of the internal
organic structure, staffing pattern, operating system, and revised budget of the Department, shall be
completed within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act, during which time the existing personnel
shall continue to assume their posts in holdover capacities until new appointments are issued: Provided, That,
after the abolition of the agencies as specified in Section 85 of this Act, the Department, in coordination with
the DBM, shall evaluate, abolish old and/or create new positions.

88, Inter-Departmental Relations and Coordination. The DDR shall continuously call upon the

follor
Administration (PAGASA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); (b)
DENR for the Geohazard Assessment and Engineering Geology Section of the Mines and Geosciences
Bureau (MGB); (c) DOH for the Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB); and (4) DILG for the
Bureau of Fire and Protection: Provided, That the DDR and these departments shall establish systems and

1g departments; (a) DOST for the Philippine Atmospheric , Geophysical and Astronomical Services

protocols for fostering interdepartmental relations and close coordination, through sustained sharing of data,
information technology, facilities, and other resources critical to the DDR, among others: Provided further,
‘That the said agencies will fully cooperate with the DDR, in anticipation of, during and as necessary in the
determination of the DDR Secretary, and perform agency mandates in close coordination with DDR as
circumstances warrant in the aftermath of emergencies and disasters: Provided finally, That PAGASA,
PHIVOLCS and the Geohazards Unit of the MGB shall provide staff augmentation to DDR Operations
Center as the need arises.

SEC. 89. Transfer of Resources. - The transfer of powers and functions of agencies listed in Section
85 shall include the corresponding funds and appropriations, plantilla positions, records, equipment,
ies, and properties of such agencies, subject to the power of the Department to reorganize or reallocate
the resources and positions from such agencies, as may be necessary to attain the objectives of this Act.

SEC. 90. Program Management Office for the Earthquake Resiliency of the Greater Metro Manila
Area. - The Program Management Office for the Earthquake Resiliency of the Greater Metro Manila Area
(PMOERG), as created pursuant to Executive Order No. 52 s. 2018, shall be transferred to the Department
under the supervision and control of the Secretary and shall continue to exercise its mandated functions.

faci

SEC. 91. Post-Disaster Shelters. - The Department shall establish a post-disaster shelter recovery
policy framework for low-income or informal settler families, with the assistance of the DSHUD and
appropriate housing agencies and the concerned LGUs. It shall, among others, determine the appropriate
shelter modalities depending on the following post-disaster phases: emergency, temporary or transitional,
and permanent. The Department shall likewise identify, assess, and designate safe zones where the
appropriate shelters shall be built

SEC. 92. Cultural Heritage. - To protect, preserve, and promote the nation’s historical and cultural

heritage, the Department shall assist the appropriate cultural agencies and the appropriate LGUs to give
ical landmarks, sites, or

priority protection and restoration to all national cultural treasures or national hii

monuments in post-disaster recovery or rehabilitation measures.

39


SEC. 93. Indigenous People. - (a) The Department shall, with the assistance of the National
‘Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the concerned LGUs, devise and implement mechanisms
that foster social protection for indigenous communities that are vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters.

(b) The Department shall ensure respect for, and protection of, the traditional resource right of the
Indigenous Cultural Communities or Indigenous Peoples (ICs or IPs) to their ancestral domains and
recognize the customary laws and traditional resource use and management, knowledge, and practices in
ancestral domains.

(©) In ancestral domains which are disaster-prone, the Department, with the assistance of the NCIP and
applicable LGUs, shall create an Ancestral Domain Disaster Management and Resiliency Plan. It shall
likewise properly communicate and explain information on disaster risks in ancestral domains with the
concemed ICCs or IPs and, as much as possible, engage such ICs or IPs in jointly formulating a disaster
resiliency plan for their ancestral domain.

SEC. 94, Livelihood. - The Department shall, with the assistance of the relevant government agencies,
such as the DTI and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), establish policies and programs to
restore and/or generate livelihood in areas affected by natural disasters.

SEC. 95. Structural Audit of Government Buildings. - The Department, with the assistance of the
DPWH and other relevant government agencies and stakeholders, shall ensure and conduct structural audit,
as often as necessary, on government buildings, especially those located in congested and disaster-prone
areas, to ensure structural integrity and disaster risk of urban buildings and to prevent the loss of life and
property in the event of an anticipated natural disaster.

SEC. 96. Magna Carta Benefits. - Qualified employees of the Department including those of its
attached agencies, shall be covered by and entitled to the benefits under Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise
known as the “Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology
Personnel in the Government”, and Republic Act No. 7305, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta of Public
Health Workers” and Republic Act No. 9433 otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Social Workers”.

SEC. 97, Hazard Pay. — Qualified personnel of the Department and the local disaster resilience offices
are entitled to receive hazard pay, subject to existing policies and guidelines.

SEC. 98. Separation of Benefits of Officials and Employees of Affected Agencies. -

Public Sector employees who have been displaced or separated from the service pursuant to
reorganization under this Act shall be entitled to separation pay, retirement and other benefits in accordance
with Republic Act No. 6656 or the “Government Reorganization Law”, and other laws, and rules and

regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission on government reorganization.

In no case shall there be any diminution of benefits under the separation plan until the full
implementation of this Act.

Employees who shall be displaced or separated as a result of the implementation of this Act shall be
given preference for appointment in the Department and in other government agencies if they meet the
qualification requirements of the positions.

No new employees shall be considered for appointment until all incumbent employees have been
placed. The placement of an incumbent employee to a higher position which constitutes a promotion shall
not be allowed until all incumbent employees have been placed to comparable positions for which they are
considered.

SEC. 99. Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act shall be

taken from the current fiscal year’s appropriations of all agencies herein absorbed, transferred, and attached
40


to the Department. ‘Thereafter, the amounts necessary for the operation of the Department and the
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 100. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department, DBM, GPPB, DND, DOF,
DILG, DOST, NEDA, DSWD, CSC, and the Career Executive Service Board (CESB), the
House and Senate Committees on Government Reorganization, and representatives from relevant

government ager

ies, academe, business sector, nongovernment organizations, and civil society
organizations shall prepare and issue the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) to implement this Act
within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

SEC. 101. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Disaster Resilience. —There shall be created
a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Disaster Resilience to monitor the implementation of this Act.
‘The Committee shall be composed of six (6) members of the House of Representatives and six (6) members
of the Senate to be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate,
respectively: Provided, That two (2) members of the House of Representatives and two (2) Senators shall
come from the Minority of their respective houses of Congress, The Committee shall be jointly chaired by a
Member of the House of Representatives and a Senator designated by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the President of the Senate, respectively.

The Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Disaster Resilience shall be assisted by a secretariat
to be composed by personnel under secondment from the Senate and the House of Representatives and may
retain consultants,

SEC. 102. Mandatory Review. - Within five (5) years after the effectivity of this Act, or as the need
arises, the Congressional Oversight Committee shall conduct a systematic evaluation of the accomplishments
and impacts of this Act, as well as the performance, and organizational structure of the Department, for
purposes of determining remedial legislation.

SEC. 103. Interpretation. - Any doubt in the interpretati
resolved in favor of a liberal interpretation that will fulfill the objectives of this Act, especially in relation to

of any provision of this Act shall be

the provision of effective, efficient and timely disaster response, rehabilitation and recovery.

SEC. 104. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or
invalid, the other provisions or parts thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 105. Repealing Clause. —The provisions of Republic Act No.10121 otherwise known as the
“Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010”, Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known
as the “Local Government Code of 1991”, Republic Act No. 7916 otherwise known as the “Special Economic
Zone Act of 1995”, and all other laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations and other executive
issuances, which are not consistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or
amended.

SEC. 106. Effectivity. - This
Gazeute or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official

Approved,

a1