Question & AnswerQ&A (OP EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 888, S. 2010)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 888, s. 2010 is to adopt the Strategic National Action Plan (SNAP) on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for 2009-2019 and to institutionalize disaster risk reduction in the Philippines.
The Philippines is exposed to various hazards such as typhoons, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, along with adverse impacts from climate variability and climate change including extreme events.
The estimated direct economic losses have exceeded PHP28 billion annually on average, reaching up to 0.7% of the Philippines' gross domestic product.
The Philippines adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 as the global blueprint for disaster risk reduction.
The 18 priority programs and projects aim to address disaster risk reduction through various initiatives such as legislation, capacity building, education, resource mobilization, early warning, risk evaluation, and public-private partnerships, with designated agencies of primary responsibility.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) serves as the Secretariat and Executive Arm of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and oversees the implementation of SNAP.
They are required to integrate DRR into policies and plans, allocate budget for DRR programs and projects, participate in SNAP priority programs, and cooperate with NGOs and the private sector for building safer and more resilient communities.
LGUs are encouraged to integrate disaster risk reduction into their everyday operations and planning to foster safer local communities.
APRs must refine program/project profiles, develop work programs, identify funding gaps, mobilize resources, facilitate Working Groups, and appoint co-APRs.
The NDCC is designated as the national platform on disaster risk reduction that facilitates multi-stakeholder consultation and coordination, oversees policy development and program implementation, and broadens dialogues to include interlinkages between climate change adaptation and DRR.
All government departments and corporations must inform their staff about SNAP and their roles in DRR. The NDCC, via the OCD, must disseminate information to local disaster councils and prepare an annual report on SNAP implementation for the President.
The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon signing.