RA 10121

The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management (DRRM) Act of 2010
SALIENT POINTS:

Republic Act No. 10121, known as the

Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management (DRRM) Act of 2010, is an act
mandated to strengthen disaster
management in the Philippines, a country
prone to natural hazards.
Signed on May 27, 2010, it aims to develop a
framework and roll out resources that will
enable the national government, the local
government units, and other stakeholders to
build communities that can survive disasters.
RA 10121 repealed Presidential Decree 1566
that created the National Disaster
Coordinating Council (NDCC). This changed
from the NDCC to the National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management (NDRRMC) as the
overseeing body.
It also emphasizes strengthening local
governments and the importance of local
communities. It institutionalizes the
participation of civil society organizations
(CSOs) and the private sector.
Five years into implementation, RA 10121 is
due for evaluation by the congressional
oversight committee. In consultation with
sectors and agencies, the committee will
assess the performance and organizational
structure of implementing agencies.
RA 10121 makes sure that policies and plans
are in place to prepare communities for when
disasters strike. Programs should increase
awareness and knowledge of risks and
hazards, and preparedness for effective
response and early recovery.
RA 10121 empowers regional and local
disaster management bodies in terms of
responsibilities and funding.
The regional DRRM councils are tasked to
coordinate, supervise, and evaluate the
activities of provincial, city, and municipal
DRRMCs.

Given that there will be a huge number of

councils in the regional and local levels, the
main coordinating body will be the NDRRMC.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) helps in the
implementation of activities.
In making sure that we are prepared for any
disaster, the NDRRMC is to formulate a
working framework centered on
preparedness and reducing damage as well as
casualties.
RA 10121 says that the framework should be
comprehensive addressing different
sectors, has synergy with other agencies and
most of all takes into consideration the voice
of the community.
It shall be the principal guide to all DRRM
plans and activities in the country. The
framework shall be reviewed every 5 years.
Following the framework, the National DRRM
Plan should contain goals and objectives in
disaster mitigation. It is the task then of the
OCD to formulate and to implement this plan.
As this function is also decentralized to the
local level, it is their duty to design and
integrate their own local plans according to
national, regional and provincial frameworks
and policies.
The President approves the funds for the
NDRRMC. The OCD, on the other hand, has
been allocated P1 billion starting the
effectivity of RA 10121.
Local governments are to set aside at least 5%
of their estimated revenue from regular
sources for their disaster management
councils.
Of the local disaster management fund, 30%
shall be allocated as Quick Response Fund,
while the 70% shall be used for pre-disaster
measures. During the onset of a typhoon, the
QRF serves as a stand-by fund for relief and
recovery programs.
The money may be used on pre-disaster
preparedness programs, such as trainings,
equipment, supplies, and medicines.
Premiums on calamity insurance may be paid
for post-disaster activities.
Unexpended LDRRM fund shall add up to a
Special Trust Fund for the purpose of
supporting DRRM activities of the LDRRMCs
within the next 5 years.