The NDRRMC structure is replicated at the regional and local levels for increased vertical integration of disaster risk management. Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMC) are located in every Barangay and tasked with approving, monitoring and implementing LDRRMPs; ensuring that DRR and CCA concerns are integrated into local development plans, programs and budgets; undertaking evacuation procedures for local residents before disasters.<sup>52</sup> The LDRRMCs are also tasked with preparedness activities through information dissemination and raising public awareness at the local level by, for example, displaying hazard maps in community spaces and disseminating printed information materials. Within the LDRRMCs, local databases are linked to national databases maintained by the OCD that detail their human resources, equipment, directories and location of critical infrastructures and their capacities. The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMC) mirror the NDRRMC structure framework (Figure 4).<sup>7</sup>

# **The Linkage between the National DRM Framework and SP**

Under the national DRM framework, DSWD takes overall responsibility for coordinating NDRRMP’s Thematic Area 3: Disaster Response. The overarching goal of Disaster Response, as defined by the NDRRMP, is to “provide life preservation and meet the basic subsistence needs of the affected population based on acceptable standards during or immediately after a disaster”.<sup>53</sup> More specifically, the NDRRMP states that the disaster response thematic area includes both immediate response activities and early recovery activities. Immediate response activities include needs assessments, search and rescue and relief operations, provision of food and non-food item relief packages, etc. Early recovery activities acknowledge that “the multidimensional process of recovery begins in a humanitarian setting” and includes activities that help to restore basic services, livelihoods, governance, security and rule of law, environment and social dimensions, including reintegration and social and emotional rehabilitation of displaced populations”.<sup>54</sup> As Vice Chairperson, DSWD coordinates the activities of the lead agencies for disaster response which are DSWD itself, OCD, DND, DILG and Department of Health (DOH). Numerous implementing partners are assigned to each lead agency to assist in implementation of disaster response activities.<sup>8</sup> It is important to note that Local Government Units take the lead role in disaster response in the Philippines – their roles are only assumed by national capacity in the event of the declaration of a ‘state of calamity’ at the local or national level. By law (Local Government Code of 1991), LGUs are supposed to be at the frontlines of government response to disasters. This reflects their closeness to the specific issues and knowledge of the needs of their communities. National government plays an enabling role, providing LGUs with the resources and funds they need to respond effectively. This relationship is enshrined in Republic Act No. 10121: “LDRRMCs shall take the lead in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the effects of any disaster... the NDRRMC and LDRRMC shall always act as support to LGUs which have primary responsibility as first disaster responders”.<sup>55</sup> The LGU’s leading role is only augmented by national capacity when a state of calamity is declared, and assumed by national capacity when the LGU’s capacity to respond has been decimated by the disaster, as in the case of a disaster of the proportions of typhoon Yolanda.

> 7 _Regional OCD directors are Chairpersons, and Vice-chairpersons include the Regional Directors of DSWD, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). RDRRMCs monitor the work of the LDRRMCs, execute regional disaster risk management plans, and coordinate with the relevant line agencies in times of disaster._

> 8 _For detailed overview of the assignment of responsibilities by agency see National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC),“National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP), 2011-2028”, 2011, pp.27 - 31_

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