Title
Philippine Disaster Control Strengthening Law
Law
Presidential Decree No. 1566
Decision Date
Jun 11, 1978
Presidential Decree No. 1566 is a comprehensive law that strengthens the disaster control capability of the Philippines by emphasizing self-reliance, coordination among government agencies, and involvement of local officials and communities in disaster response and preparedness, establishing coordinating councils, outlining tasks and responsibilities, mandating disaster plans, drills and exercises, and allocating funds for disaster preparedness.

Creation and Composition of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)

  • The NDCC is composed of the Secretaries of key government departments, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, the Philippine National Red Cross Secretary-General, and the Civil Defense Administrator as Executive Officer.
  • The NDCC advises the President on preparedness programs, disaster operations, and rehabilitation efforts.
  • The Office of Civil Defense provides facilities and services to the NDCC, headquartered in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Regional Organization

  • Regional Disaster Coordinating Councils shall be constituted with the Regional Commissioner or designated official as Chairman.
  • The Council includes regional office executives and field station heads.
  • Establishment of a Regional Disaster Operations Center to manage regional coordination.

Local Government Organization for Disaster Coordination

  • Metropolitan Manila has a Metropolitan Manila Disaster Coordinating Council chaired by the Metropolitan Manila Governor.
  • Provincial Disaster Coordinating Councils are chaired by Provincial Governors; vice-chaired by Provincial Integrated National Police Superintendent.
  • City and Municipal Disaster Coordinating Councils are chaired by respective Mayors; vice-chaired by Integrated National Police Station Commanders.
  • All Councils establish Disaster Operations Centers.

Specific Tasks of NDCC Members

  • Secretary of National Defense (NDCC Chairman): Convene NDCC meetings, coordinate national disaster efforts, and mobilize government and private sector support.
  • Civil Defense Administrator: Coordinate activities of government agencies and private organizations, provide secretariat services, prepare disaster control manuals, and advise the NDCC Chairman.
  • Secretary, Department of Local Government and Community Development: Oversee local council organization and operation center establishment.
  • Secretary, Department of Labor: Organize disaster control groups in factories and industrial complexes.
  • Secretary, Department of Education and Culture: Organize disaster control groups in schools and educational institutions.
  • Secretary, Department of Trade: Organize disaster control groups in commercial and recreational buildings.
  • Secretary, Department of Social Services and Development: Provide emergency relief and social services to victims, enabling rehabilitation.
  • All NDCC members must provide personnel, facilities, and expertise for disaster management.

Planning Requirements for Disaster Operations

  • Office of Civil Defense to prepare a National Disaster and Calamities Preparedness Plan for presidential approval.
  • All government entities must align their planning with the approved national plan.
  • Implementing plans must be documented and submitted to the NDCC within 30 days of the decree's effectivity.
  • Plans must be periodically revised and updated.

Authority to Issue Rules and Regulations

  • The NDCC Chairman is empowered to issue implementing rules and regulations for the decree.

Drills and Exercises

  • Organizational and community drills must commence within 60 days after effectivity and be conducted regularly thereafter.
  • Supervision of drills is assigned to the relevant departments or agencies.

Funding Provisions

  • Local government units must allocate funds for disaster preparedness beyond the 2% reserve mandated by Presidential Decree No. 477.
  • Funds should cover council organization, facility establishment, equipping, and training of disaster teams.

Repealing Clause

  • All laws, decrees, orders, or regulations inconsistent with this decree are amended or repealed.

Effectivity

  • The decree takes effect immediately upon approval by the President.

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