Title
Build Back Better Task Force Creation EO
Law
Executive Order No. 120
Decision Date
Nov 18, 2020
Executive Order No. 120 establishes the Build Back Better Task Force in the Philippines to coordinate and monitor post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery efforts in areas affected by typhoons, with a focus on engaging affected communities and NGOs and providing regular reports on progress and funding sources.

Law Summary

Goal and Principles of Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation

  • Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation (DRRM) aims to restore and improve facilities, livelihood, living conditions, and organizational capacities.
  • Emphasis on the "Build Back Better" principle to reduce future disaster risks.
  • The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) approved the Rehabilitation and Recovery Planning Guide (RRPG) for efficient post-disaster planning.

Typhoon Exposure and Governmental Roles

  • The Philippines regularly experiences approximately twenty (20) tropical cyclones annually.
  • NDRRMC is the highest policy-making body for disaster management, covering prevention, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation.
  • Local Government Units (LGUs) have primary jurisdiction over disaster rehabilitation but may be overwhelmed by the scale of typhoon damage.

Need for a Centralized Task Force

  • Recognizes gaps in managing multi-jurisdictional typhoon impacts requiring a unified command and integrated national government approach.
  • The President has constitutional powers to control executive departments and ensure the faithful enforcement of laws.

Creation and Composition of the Task Force

  • Established the Build Back Better Task Force specifically for post-typhoon rehabilitation and recovery.
  • Chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with the Secretary of Public Works and Highways as Co-Chair.
  • Members include key secretaries from departments such as National Defense, Human Settlements, Socio-economic Planning, Transportation, Interior and Local Government, Energy, Trade and Industry, Agriculture, Budget and Management, Finance, Education, Health, Social Welfare, Labor, Science and Technology, and administrators of major government authorities.
  • Other agencies may be included by approval of the Office of the President.
  • Members may designate alternates authorized to act on their behalf.
  • DENR provides secretariat support, assisted by personnel from member agencies.

Functions and Mandates of the Task Force

  • Serve as the central coordinating body for whole-of-government implementation and monitoring of post-disaster recovery.
  • Lead preparation, implementation, and monitoring of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Programs aligned with RRPG.
  • Ensure immediate availability of essential lifelines (basic needs, medical, electricity, water, telecommunications, transportation).
  • Promote resilient rebuilding of housing and safer housing sites using a township approach.
  • Restore and strengthen economic activities in partnership with relevant agencies.
  • Lead by DPWH, ensure disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Establish committees or technical working groups as needed involving other government agencies, LGUs, and stakeholders.
  • Enhance LGUs' institutional knowledge and expertise in disaster recovery.
  • Formulate protocols and timelines to meet Order objectives.
  • Perform additional duties as directed by the President or Executive Secretary.

Operational Mechanism and Scope

  • Focuses on post-typhoon rehabilitation, initially prioritizing areas affected by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses.
  • NDRRMC, through the Office of Civil Defense, continues mandates in other disaster areas except as otherwise directed.
  • May designate recovery and rehabilitation leaders for specific areas or regions.
  • Armed Forces, Philippine Coast Guard, and uniformed personnel directed to provide logistical and technical support.

Whole-of-Society Engagement

  • Obligated to consult and engage affected communities, non-government organizations, youth, and civic groups.
  • Emphasizes inclusive crafting, implementation, and evaluation of rehabilitation programs.

Reporting Requirements

  • Quarterly reports to the President via the Executive Secretary on implementation progress.
  • Annual public report on accomplishments, projects, programs, and budget utilization.

Support and Assistance Obligations

  • All government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges directed to support implementation.
  • LGUs strongly encouraged to provide assistance.

Funding Provisions

  • Funding sourced from member-agencies' existing appropriations, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, and other funds identified by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
  • DBM prioritizes funding for typhoon-affected areas endorsed by the Task Force.
  • All funding subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws.

Legal Provisions

  • Separability Clause: Unaffected provisions remain valid if any part is held unconstitutional.
  • Repeal Clause: Inconsistent orders, rules, and regulations are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
  • Immediate Effectivity upon issuance.

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