THE POLICIES OF DRRM

Philippine DRRM Law RA 10121 and Its Implementing Rules and Regulations

Its Beginnings

The Philippine DRRM Law was signed on May 27, 2010

Implementing rules and regulations was signed on September 27, 2010 took
effecr after 15 days

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework was signed on

June 16, 2011

National DRRM Plan was approved by Mational Council on February 7, 2012

Creation of DRRMC & Salient Features of the DRRM Law

Mangaging the aftermath of a disaster can overwhelm a states machinery.

The creation of the NDRRMC was thus well received because it taps local
government units (LGUs), communities, and civil society partners. The new law
shifted more responsibilities to local communities on disaster management. With
this, the new disaster body promises to be more responsive on disaster concerns.
This and other changes are explicitly written in the new DRRM laws Declaration
Policy, foremost of which is the protection of the peoples constitutional rights to life
and property.

THE PHILIPPINE DRRM SYSTEM

The Philippines was first in Asia to have enacted its own law on
disaster risk reduction and management through Republic Act No. 10121 or the
Philippine Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010.

This law provided Paradigm Shift from Disaster Releif and Response
(DRR) toward Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM).

Top Down and risk reduction process.

controlled disaster Bottom-up and participatory disaster
management

Disaster as merely a people's vulnerability

function of physical Disasters mainly refection of
hazard
reduce disaster risk.
Focus on disaster social and human development to
response and Integrated approach to genuine
anticipation
DRRMC Organizational Structure and Functions

As the countrys highest policy-making body for disaster risk reduction and
management, the NDRRMC advises the President regarding all phases of disasters,
from preparedness to rehabilitation.

On the top of NDRRMCs oraganizational pyramid is the Secretary of National

Defense as Chairperson. The Department of National Defense (DND) is the agency
mandated to guard againts external and internal threats to national peace and
security in times of peace, war, and disaster.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is the implementing arm of NDRRMC and
has the primary mission of administering a comprehensive national civil defense
and the DRRM program. OCDs main responsibility is ensuring the implementation
and monitoring of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan
(NDRRMP). NDRRMC is empowered to do the following functions:

Develop the NDRRM framework Develop Vertical nd horizontal

Develop of NDRRM plan coordination mechanisms
Advise the president on the Formulate a national
status of DRRM in the country institutional capability building
Ensure a multi-stakeholder program
participation Formulate a national agenda for
Establish a national early Research and Technology
warning and alert system Development of DRRM
Develop appropriate risk Formulate and implement a
transfer mechanisms framework for CCA (Climate
Monitor the development and Change Adaptation) and DRRM
enforcement of the Act Constitute a technical
Manage and mobilize resources Management Group
Monitir and provide guidelines Task OCD to conduct periodic
on LDRRMF (Local Disaster Risk assessment and performance
Reduction and Management monitring of the memeber
Fund) agencies
Develop assessment tools in Coordinate or oversee the
coordination with the Climate implementation of the countrys
Change Commission (CCC) obligation wuth disaster
management treaties.
 Under the chairman are four Secretaries who act as Vice-Chairmen of the four
frontline agencies, namely: the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for
prevention & mitigation, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
for preparedness, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for
response, and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for
rehabilitation and recovery.

Role of LGUs

Under the RA 10121, there shall be a DRRM Council for each region. LGUs,
from provincial to barangay level, are also mandated to form and operate DRRM
Councils.

The councils and offices created and/or tasked to put into operation of the
various responsibilities of the government based on the Philippine Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Act.

DRRMCs Nework

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

17 Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council

79 Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Councils
122 City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils
1,512 Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Councils
42,026 Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Councils

The Regional DRRM Council is NDRRMCs regional arm. It maintains an

operating facility on a 24-hour basis, known as the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Operations Center (RDRRMOC). The countrys 17 RDRRMCs
coordinate, integrate, supervise, and monitor, and evaluate Regional Council
Member Agencies and the LDRRMCs. These ensure the integration of disaster risk
reduction into local development plans, programs, and budgets, as a strategy in
sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Depending on the scope or size of disaster, the Implementing Rules and

Regulations (IRR) of the new DRRM law defines when the different national and local
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils will be activated:
 Barangay Development Council if a barangay is affected
(BDC)

City/Municipal Disaster Risk if two or more barangay are affected

Reduction and Management
Council (C/MDRRMC)

Provincial Disaster Risk

affected
Reduction and Management if two or more cities or municipalities are
Council (PDRRMC)

Regional Disaster Risk if two or more provinces are affected

Reduction and Management
Council (RDRRMC)

National Disaster Risk Reduction if two or more regions are affected

and Management Council
(NDRRMC)

Prior to the new DRRM law, LGUs had the power to allocate only five percent
of their annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for works or services in connection
with calamities. This was known as the calamaity fund. The 5% ceiling had been
scrapped by Republic Act 10121.

Clearly, the implementation of community-based disaster risk management

projects and activities involves both the structures of government at all levels and
commitment of the members of the community. LGUs are the bridges between
national government and the residents which they represent. LGUs provide the
support to sustain community-based DRMM initiatives. RA 10121 refers to LGUs as
the frontliners when a disaster strikes.

Recognition of Civil Society Organization (CSOs)

Civil Society Organization (CSOs) are non-state actors whose aim are neither
to generate profit nor to seek governing power. CSOs unite people to advance
shared goals and interests. CSOs include NGOs, proefessional associations,
foundations, independent research institutes, CBOs, faith-based orgnizations,
peoples organizations, social movement, and labor unions.

The inclusion of four Civil Society Organizations in the organizational

structure of NDRMMC makes DRRM a more community-based undertaking. The
CSOs in the disaster management structure include civic organization, NGOs
(nongovernment organization), peoples organization, and other volunteer entities.

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES FROM THE GOVERNMENT (Projects and

Programs)
The NDRRM Plan (NDRRMP) and Knowledge Transfer

The DRRM law guarantees that concerned agencies will deliver information
and make these accesible freely to public. A number of priority programs and
projects that has been formulated in the NDRRM Plan are devoted to the delivery
and acess to information and resources reagrding hazards. The plan also includes
provision for the establishment of DRRM training institutions to train communities,
team, and managers on disaster preparedness and reponse.

THE NATIONAL DRMM PLAN 2011-2028

Priority Programs and Projects

1. Development of plans Joint work plan for DRRM and CCA, Local DRRM plans,
National Disaster Response Plan (to include a system for Search, Rescue and
Retrieval SRR; scenario-based preparedness and response plan(s), Risk financing

2. Development of understandable and consisten IEC and advocacy materials on RA

10121, DRRM and CCA

3. Development of guidelines Communications and information protocol before

during and after disasters; Creation of DRRM teams; Criteria/standards for local
food early warning systems; Evacuations; Infrastructure redesign and/or
modifications; Manual of operatioms of disaster operation centers

4. Development of tools DRRM and CCA mainstreaming in the national and local-
level planning, DANA and post-DANA; Psychosocial concerns

5. Establishement of DRRM Training Institutes; End-to-local food early warning

systems through integrated and sustainable management river basins and water
sheds; local DRRM councils and offices and their operation centers

6. Conduct inventory of existing DRRM and CCA resources and services

7. Development and implemention of DRMM and CCA activities using 5% of

government agencys budget

8. Hazard and risk mapping in the most hig-risk areas in the country

9. Institutional capability program on DRRM and CCA for decision makers, local chief
executives, public sector employees, and key stake holders

10. Mainstreaming DRRM and CCA in local development planning

11. Post disaster needs assessment (PDNA) capacity building for national
government agencies, regional line agencies and local offices
12. Review amend and/or revise the Building Code and integrate DRRM and CCA;
Executive Order no. 72 s. 1993; Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 476

Primary Source of Information and Resources

Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Its mandate is to provide central direction, ledership and coorination

of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results therefrom are
geared and utilized in reas of maximum ecnomic and social benefits for the people.
Two of the lead agencies for the major natural hazards (PHIVOLCS & PAGASA) are
under its wing, the DOST is the agenc6y responsible in implementing the Prevention
and Mitigation aspects of NDRRMP. DOSTs specific objectives also include reduction
of vulnerability and exposure of communities to all hazards and enhancing
capacities of communities to reduce own risks and cope with the impacs of all
hazards.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

It is the agency tasked primarily for the preparedness aspect of

disaster reduction. This inludes the development and implementation of a
comprehensive national and local preparedness and response policies, plans, and
systems. DILG is expected to ensure operational aand self reliant local DRMM
councils and fully functioning local DRMM offices. For the whole DRMM effort to be
more effective, DILG is also required to strengthen partnership and coordination
with all those involved DRMM.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)

Is the lead agency in the preparation of the report providing ynthesis of

the over-all impact of disaster including that on the macroeconmy, poverty,
incomes, and employment. NEDA is also in charge of the conduct of post-disater
needs assessment (PDNA). NEDA is also repsonsoble for the formulation of a
recovery plan t guide the recovery and reconstruction of the economy, lives and
livelihood in affected areas. NEDA is among entities that should be responsible for
integrating mitigation into development plans and policies.

Medias Role in Times of Disaster

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is among the governments

agencies tasked to provide accurate and timely advice to national or local
organizations and to public regarding disasters. Tthe traditional tri media
(television, radio, and newspaper) and the internet-based media have been also
instrumental in supplementing the governments disaster information functions.