QuestionsQuestions (OCD)
The rules are titled the “Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10121,” also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (PDRRM Act of 2010). Their purpose is to prescribe the manner, procedures, and guidelines for implementing RA 10121, facilitate compliance, and achieve the law’s objectives.
It covers all aspects of disaster risk reduction and management, including good governance, risk assessment and early warning, knowledge building and awareness raising, reducing underlying risk factors, and preparedness for effective response and early recovery. It applies to all levels of government and to civil society, private sector, and all other DRM stakeholders.
It is the systematic process of using administrative directives, organizations, and operational skills and capacities to implement strategies, policies, and improved coping capacities to lessen the adverse impacts of hazards and the possibility of disaster. It also includes prospective risk reduction and management—addressing and avoiding the development of new or increased disaster risks, especially where risk reduction policies are not in place.
Knowledge of the risks; monitoring, analysis, and forecasting of hazards; communication/dissemination of alerts and warnings; and local capabilities to respond to the warnings received.
Vulnerability is the set of characteristics and circumstances that make a community, system, or asset susceptible to damaging effects of a hazard—arising from physical, social, economic, and environmental factors such as poor design and construction, lack of public awareness, limited recognition of risks and preparedness measures, and disregard for wise environmental management. Disaster risk results from the interaction of hazards with vulnerability and exposure, combined with insufficient capacity to cope.
The NDRRMC is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND). Vice-chairpersons are: DILG for Disaster Preparedness; DSWD for Disaster Response; DOST for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; and NEDA for Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery.
They include: developing the NDRRM Framework; ensuring the NDRRMP is consistent with the Framework; advising the President on disaster preparedness/status and recommending declaration of state of calamity; building and maintaining DRRM Information System and risk maps; establishing early warning and emergency alert systems; developing risk transfer mechanisms; monitoring enforcement of required laws/standards; managing and mobilizing resources including the National DRRM Fund; monitoring LDRRMF releases and utilization/accounting/auditing; creating tools for climate change-related hazards and risks; forming coordination mechanisms; building national institutional capability; formulating research/technology agendas; and coordinating treaty obligations (e.g., AADMER).
The Chairperson may call upon other governmental and non-governmental entities for assistance in protecting and preserving life and property across the range of DRRM, and may include the power to call on the reserve force under RA 7077 to assist in relief and rescue.
Existing Regional Disaster Coordinating Councils are henceforth called Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs). Each is chaired by the Civil Defense Officer(s) of OCD who are or may be designated as Regional Directors of OCD; vice-chairpersons are the regional directors of DSWD, DILG, DOST, and NEDA; and members include the executives of regional offices and field stations of agencies that are members of the National Council.
RDRRMCs must establish a 24-hour operating facility called the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (RDRRMOC). Each member agency must establish its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), subject to exemptions by the Regional Council.
Provincial, City, and Municipal Disaster Coordinating Councils are renamed as Provincial, City, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils. Barangay Disaster Coordinating Councils cease to exist, and their powers/functions are assumed by existing Barangay Development Councils (BDCs), which serve as LDRRMCs in every barangay.
The IRR states that the LDRRMC is encouraged to include: DILG local officers; DENR local officers; appropriate Philippine Coast Guard/Forest Guard officials where applicable; and a Sanggunian representative.
A Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) must be created in every province, city, and municipality under the Office of the Governor, City Mayor, and Municipal Mayor, respectively. A Barangay DRRM Committee (BDRRMC) must be created in every barangay.
The DRRMO is assisted by three (3) staff responsible for (1) administration and training; (2) research and planning; and (3) operations and warning. The DRRM Officer must be civil service eligible and must have Civil Defense/DRM experience.
It must operate a multi-hazard early warning system linked to DRRM; consolidate local disaster risk information (hazards, vulnerabilities, climate change risks) and maintain a local risk map; and disseminate information and raise public awareness about hazards, vulnerabilities, risks, early warning signs, and counter-measures.
Rule 5 includes CSO and private sector representatives among LDRRMC members (e.g., four accredited CSOs and one private sector representative), with selection criteria and accreditation guidelines to be issued by the National Council. Rule 9 further provides that agencies, CSOs, private sector, and LGUs may mobilize volunteers; they must submit volunteer lists to the OCD via the LDRRMOs for accreditation and inclusion in the database.
The OCD is the implementing arm of the National Council. Its primary mission is administering a comprehensive national civil defense and disaster risk reduction and management program by providing leadership in continuous development of strategic and systematic approaches to reduce vulnerabilities and risks to hazards and manage the consequences of disasters.
The OCD must formulate the NDRRMP within six months from the effectivity of the IRR and provide leadership in implementing the plan, ensuring community physical, social, economic, and environmental plans are consistent with it; the NDRRMC approves the plan.
To train public and private individuals in DRRM (including emergency response and capacity-building for RA 10121 programs); consolidate and prepare DRRM training materials and publications; conduct research and document best practices; and conduct periodic awareness and education programs for new officials and LDRRMC members.