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.