Law Summary
Definition of Terms
- Provides detailed definitions for key DRRM concepts such as Adaptation, Capacity, CSOs, Climate Change, Disaster, Mitigation, Preparedness, Prevention, Response, Risk Assessment, and Vulnerability.
- Defines organizational terms like the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework (NDRRMF), Plan (NDRRMP), Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs), and Accredited Community Disaster Volunteers (ACDVs).
- Specifies terms addressing social aspects like Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups.
Scope
- Covers policy development, planning, and implementation related to all aspects of disaster risk reduction and management.
- Emphasizes good governance, risk assessment, early warning, knowledge building, risk reduction, preparedness, response, and early recovery.
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)
- Renames the former NDCC and establishes it as the central body for DRRM policy-making, coordination, integration, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Chaired by the Secretary of National Defense; includes multiple key cabinet secretaries, government agencies, LGU leagues, CSOs, private sector representatives, and the OCD Administrator.
Powers and Functions of the NDRRMC
- Develop and periodically review the National Framework and coordinate the National Plan.
- Advise the President on disaster status and recommend declarations of state of calamity.
- Ensure development and sharing of risk information systems and risk maps.
- Establish national early warning and emergency alert systems.
- Develop risk transfer mechanisms and monitor enforcement of DRRM laws and standards.
- Manage resources including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.
- Formulate capability building, research agendas, and coordinate climate change adaptation policies.
- Coordinate treaty obligations and manage national inter-agency technical groups.
Authority of the NDRRMC Chairperson
- Can call on government and non-government entities, including the reserve force, for disaster assistance.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD)
- Administers the national civil defense and DRRM program, serves as the National Council Secretariat.
- Led by an Administrator with rank equivalent to undersecretary.
Powers and Functions of the OCD
- Advise NDRRMC and implement the National DRR Plan.
- Identify hazards and risks, set national standards for DRRM programs.
- Review and evaluate local DRRM plans and assure LGU compliance.
- Develop standard operating procedures for disaster response coordination.
- Establish DRRM Training Institutes and conduct research, awareness programs.
- Manage international and regional support coordination.
- Create enabling environment for CSO and private sector participation.
- Conduct post-disaster needs assessments with gender analysis.
- Operate the National DRRM Operations Center.
- Manage community disaster volunteer accreditation and support.
- Provide technical assistance and resources to LGUs, especially vulnerable areas.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Organization at Regional Level
- Regional Disaster Coordinating Councils renamed Regional DRRM Councils (RDRRMCs).
- RDRRMCs coordinate local councils, ensure disaster-sensitive regional development, and establish operations centers.
- Chaired by OCD Regional Directors or Regional Governors in ARMM.
Organization at Local Government Level
- Local Councils renamed Local DRRM Councils (LDRRMCs). Barangay Councils integrated into Barangay Development Councils.
- Comprehensive membership including LGU officials, AFP and PNP officers, local health, agriculture, engineering offices, civil society and private sector.
- Functions: plan approval, integration of DRRM in local development, evacuation recommendations, holding regular meetings.
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO)
- Established in every province, city, municipality; Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMC) in barangays.
- Responsible for planning, coordination, training, early warning, information dissemination, response management, and funding.
- Organizes emergency response teams and volunteers.
- Promotes breastfeeding support during disasters.
- Acts as secretariat and executive arm of the local council.
Accreditation, Mobilization, Protection of Volunteers, CSOs, Private Sector
- Volunteers from government, CSOs, and private sector to be accredited and included in national database maintained by OCD.
- Mobilized according to NDRRMC guidelines.
- Compensation and insurance benefits for volunteers injured or deceased while engaged in disaster activities.
Integration of DRRM Education and Training
- Disaster risk reduction education integrated into school curricula at secondary and tertiary levels including non-formal and technical education.
- Encourages youth participation via SK councils.
- Mandatory emergency response training for public sector employees.
Coordination During Emergencies
- Local councils lead disaster preparation, response and recovery by criteria: barangay, city/municipality, province, region or national level based on disaster scale.
- NDRRMC and intermediate councils support LGUs as primary responders.
- Coordination with private sector and civil society follows NDRRMC direction.
Declaration of State of Calamity
- NDRRMC recommends and President declares state of calamity for affected areas.
- Local councils may also declare based on damage assessments.
- Declaration may trigger international humanitarian assistance.
Remedial Measures Post-State of Calamity
- Imposition of price ceilings on basic commodities.
- Prevention of hoarding and profiteering.
- Programming funds for infrastructure repair and upgrades.
- No-interest loans to affected populations via cooperatives.
Mechanism for International Humanitarian Assistance
- Authorized importation/donation of relief supplies tax and duty-free to the NDRRMC with Presidential approval.
Prohibited Acts and Penal Clause
- Prohibits dereliction of duty, obstruction of relief goods distribution, buying and selling of relief goods for profit, misrepresentation of relief sources, illegal solicitations, false data use, and tampering with disaster equipment.
- Penalties include fines between Php50,000 to Php500,000, imprisonment 6 to 12 years, disqualification from public office, and forfeiture of instruments.
- Corporations punished through responsible officers and may lose licenses.
- Alien offenders face deportation.
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF)
- Minimum 5% of local revenue allocated to LDRRMF.
- Fund to support preparedness, rescue equipment, post-disaster activities, and calamity insurance.
- 30% of fund reserved as Quick Response Fund (QRF).
- Unused funds accumulate for five years before reverting to general fund.
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund
- Renamed from existing Calamity Fund.
- Used for training, equipment, relief, recovery, reconstruction.
- Allocation subject to Presidential approval upon NDRRMC recommendation.
- 30% reserved as Quick Response Fund.
- All agencies using DRRM funds must provide monthly utilization reports.
Funding of the Office of Civil Defense
- OCD allocated a one billion peso revolving fund to implement the Act.
Annual Reporting
- NDRRMC, through OCD, must submit annual implementation reports to the President and Congress.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- NDRRMC Chairperson to issue IRR within 90 days after the Act’s approval.
- OCD leads in preparing IRR with stakeholder involvement.
Congressional Oversight Committee
- Created to monitor Act implementation.
- Composed of six Senators and six House Representatives with joint chairpersons from defense committees.
- Minority representation ensured.
Sunset Review
- Congressional Oversight Committee to conduct a systematic evaluation five years after effectivity to consider remedial legislation.
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Repeals inconsistent laws, decrees, and orders.
- Unconstitutional provisions do not affect validity of remaining provisions.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after official publication in the Official Gazette or two national newspapers.