Law Summary
Creation and Role of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)
- NDRRMC is the highest body on disaster risk reduction and management in the Philippines.
- Composed of 38 member-agencies.
- Responsible for policy-making, coordination, integration, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation across four DRRM thematic areas:
- Disaster Prevention and Mitigation
- Disaster Preparedness
- Disaster Response
- Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery
Geographic and Environmental Risk Factors
- The Philippines is located along the typhoon belt of the Pacific, experiencing about 20 tropical cyclones annually.
- It lies on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, making it vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Need for a Specialized Task Force
- Emphasis on the need for a dedicated Task Force focused on disaster preparedness and response.
- The Task Force is to have a clear unity of command to manage natural disaster challenges.
- Utilization of evidence-driven and science-based approaches in crisis management.
Presidential Authority for Executive Reorganization
- The President has constitutional authority to control all executive departments and ensure faithful execution of laws.
- The President may reorganize the administrative structure for simplicity, economy, and efficiency.
Composition and Formation of the Disaster Response and Crisis Management Task Force
- The Task Force consists of representatives from:
- Office of the Executive Secretary
- Department of National Defense
- Department of the Interior and Local Government
- Department of Social Welfare and Development
- Department of Health
- Department of Trade and Industry
- Department of Science and Technology
- Department of Public Works and Highways
- Department of Transportation
- Office of Civil Defense
- The President designates the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
- Agencies may assign senior officials as permanent representatives to the Task Force, authorized to make decisions.
- A Secretariat, composed of personnel from the Chairperson's office, provides administrative and technical support.
Core Functions of the Task Force
- Oversee and coordinate DRRM plans and activities focusing on preparedness and response.
- Lead the development of strategic approaches to disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response.
- Ensure integrated disaster preparedness and response with relevant agencies and LGUs.
- Establish a calibrated and graduated national disaster mobilization system including pre-disaster risk assessments.
- Exercise oversight over government agencies involved in disaster preparedness and response.
- Engage consultants and experts when necessary.
- Manage implementation of national, local, and community-based disaster resilience programs.
- Convene NDRRMC members to recommend declaration or lifting of a state of calamity and approve fund disbursements.
- Perform additional functions as directed by the President.
Responsibilities of the Chairperson of the Task Force
- Act as lead coordinator and overall manager for national disaster preparedness and response.
- Ensure implementation of Presidential orders and directives on DRRM.
- Advise the President on DRRM policies and submit recommendations.
- Propose funding support for disaster response plans and programs.
- Call upon any government agency for necessary support in function performance.
Establishment and Deployment of Quick Response Groups
- Quick Response Groups to support regional and local disaster councils.
- Members designated by the Task Force agencies.
- Groups may be deployed during or in anticipation of disasters upon Chairperson’s direction.
Operational Structure and Reporting
- The Task Force reports directly to the President.
- It shall convene upon order of the President or the Chairperson.
- Designated as the lead implementing body for disaster preparedness and response.
Whole-of-Government Support and Collaboration
- All government agencies, government-owned/controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges are mandated to support the Task Force.
- Local Government Units (LGUs) are enjoined to provide necessary assistance.
Funding Provisions
- Funding sourced from existing appropriations of Task Force member-agencies.
- Access to the Contingent Fund and other DBM-identified sources subject to budgeting laws.
- Successive year funding incorporated into respective agency budgets.
Legal Provisions on Validity, Repeal, and Effectivity
- If any provision is held unconstitutional or invalid, unaffected provisions remain effective.
- Executive Order No. 120 (s. 2020) and inconsistent orders are repealed or amended.
- The Order takes effect immediately upon signing.